5 Diseases caused by Ticks!
Who would think that something so small, sometimes so small they are hard to see, could cause so much damage. Ticks can be found just about anywhere. And they are not particular when choosing a victim. These small parasites feed off the blood of animals and humans, and more importantly, spread disease.

There are five diseases that different ticks can transmit.  Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis.  The most “popular” of these being Lyme Disease.

Lyme Disease can be found in every state in the United States and Canadian Provinces.  Spread by the black-legged or deer tick, this disease is most common in the Northwest.  Symptoms include rash at the site of the tick bite, tiredness and neurological and facial muscular problems.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is common in the Southwest, symptoms of the disease include sudden onset fever, headache and muscle pain, followed by a rash.  The disease can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages and without prompt and appropriate treatment it can be fatal.
Ehrlichiosis is common in the Southwest, this disease is spread by the lone star tick and is carried by dogs, cattle, sheep, goats and horses.  Symptoms include a fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Babesiosis is carried by deer ticks and is found most often in the Northwest and upper Midwest.  Symptoms include a nonproductive cough, headache and malaise.

Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis is often found in the upper Midwest, New England and Northern California.  Symptoms are fever, headache and malaise.

Ticks are predators, they do not fly.  They live in tall grass and either crawl up or fall onto their hosts.  If you see a tick on yourself, you should remove it immediately.  If you find a tick on your pet, you can remove it yourself, but you should have the veterinarian remove it for you.  At that point, they can look at the area to make sure that nothing looks suspicious, check your pet’s temperature and if needed start treatment.

Village Veterinary Hospital encourages our pet owners to inspect their pets every time they go outside, inspect the areas outside that their pets could come into contact with ticks, and to call our office if they have any questions or concerns regarding ticks and their pets.

Village Veterinary Hospital carries a couple of products that can help protect your pets and your home against these parasites. Please call our office at 505-869-2627 and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have.