medication to treat immune-mediated symp- toms.
Anaplasmosis is transmitted by ixodid
ticks and causes canine granulocytic ana- plasmosis, a disease of the white blood cells. Clinical signs include lethargy, inappetance, lameness, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes; lab results show decreased platelets and ane- mia. A chronic phase is not thought to occur. This disease is also treated with doxycycline. Seen more rarely in this area, but a pos- sibility in dogs that may have originated in or travelled to other parts of the country, are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Hepatozoonosis, and tick paralysis. RMSF, caused by the organism Ricketsia ricketsii, can cause neurologic disease, including paresis, tremors, seizures, or a change in mentation. It also can cause decreased plate- lets. This disease tends to be seen season- ally, from May to August. Diagnosis involves serological testing, as well as looking for other abnormalities in the lab results such as decreased platelets and decreased blood proteins. Treatment is also the antibiotic doxycycline.
Babesiosis is a disease causing red blood cell destruction. It is caused by many species of Babesia organisms, which are transmitted by ticks. It is primarily a disease affecting Greyhounds and Pit Bull Terriers. Infected dogs can pass the organism to their unborn puppies, and it can be transmitted through bite wounds. Diagnosis involves identifying the organism in red blood cells in a blood smear, or PCR testing of blood. Treatment is not easy or without potential side effects. The most promising treatment involves a combination antibiotic therapy consisting of Azithromycin and Clindamycin. Hepatozoon infections also are not easily controlled by medication. Unlike for Lyme disease, there are currently no vaccinations available for these other tick-borne illnesses. Because ticks are ubiquitous in our
environment and our dogs are at constant risk of exposure to some potentially seri-
ous illnesses, it is important to be vigilant. We can minimize exposure by avoiding known tick-infested areas, by using topi- cal tick control or repellant products (the risks versus the benefits of these products should be discussed with your veterinarian), and physically checking for ticks (though in dogs this may not be effective). We can also implement environmental management in our backyards, making them less invit- ing to ticks by clearing brush and removing marginal growth. It is important to note that most infectious organisms require a feed- ing time of 24-48 hours for transmission to occur, so removing ticks before they have had time to feed is beneficial. We must also be aware of the clinical signs of disease and have our dogs examined at the first sign of illness, as treatment is often more successful early in the course of the disease for many of these organisms. Many tick-borne diseases initially present with similar, often vague clinical signs, which may include lethargy, decreased appetite, fever, or lameness. It is also not uncommon for dogs to suffer from several tick-borne illnesses concurrently; luckily most respond to the same antibiotics. So if your dog seems to be ADR (that’s
veterinary terminology: “Ain’t doin’ right”), there is a good possibility that he or she may be suffering from a tick-borne illness that warrants a thorough examination and prob- ably some blood tests.
Dr. Kim Rio is a 1991 graduate of Tufts Uni- versity School of Veterinary Medicine. After spending nearly 20 years in small animal clinical practice in Connecticut and Pennsyl- vania, she launched her housecall practice, “Mobile Pet Vet”, with certified veterinary technician Julie Barton, in order to bring individualized wellness care to pets in their homes. For an appointment, or for more in- formation call: (203)584-1211 or visit www.
mobile-pet-vet.com. See ad on page See ad on page 37.
A Shaman’s Way
Celebrate the Feminine! Tis workshop will explore
feminine essence in its natural form.
Celebrate and connect to your beliefs, desires, your sensuality and sexuality.
You will use the medicine wheel, ceremony, and journeying in a safe and sacred
space to become the powerful person that you truly are.
You will learn to recognize the archetypes of the feminine.
What they mean to you and how they can empower you.
Saturday, April 28th, 10 AM – 4 PM Holcomb Farm, West Granby, CT
Contact Julie Palmer:
ashamansway@gmail.com www.ashamansway.com
NaturalNutmeg.com 33
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