Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Dogs

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a rickettsial disease that can infect dogs and humans. The disease is transmitted by ticks and caused by gram negative intracellular parasite called Rickettsia rickettsii obligat small. In many cases, the dog will be healthy again in 2 weeks, but look for organized veterinary care if you suspect that your dog is suffering from Rocky Mountain spotted fever as severe RMSF can be fatal if not treated.

Rocky Mountain view shipping fever for a dog

Rocky Mountain fever spread to the dog's view through a number of hard-bodied ticks. In America East countries, the most common spreaders are American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis). In the eastern United States, the culprit is usually wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). A large part of the Rocky Mountain fever cases seen in dogs caused by ticks of the genus Dermacentor, Amblyomma americanum and cheerful but also has proven Rhipicephalus Rickettsia rickettsii.

Rocky Mountain view symptoms of fever

When a dog has been infected with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Rickettsia rickettsii organisms will undergo an incubation period that may occur in just two days to more than 2 weeks. After the incubation, organisms get into the circulatory system of a dog, and continue to attack the endothelial cells from venula and capillaries. In the parts of the dog's body, the organism can begin to multiply very quickly. Ultimately, this can lead to vasculitis, edema, collapsed blood vessels, shock and bleeding. Brain, heart, kidneys and skin are usually the most damaged part of the body of a dog.

General symptoms of RMSF in dogs:

Fever in the range of 102.6 to 104.9 º F (usually 5 days after being bitten by a tick mark)

Petechiae and ecchymotic bleeding on the mucosal surface exposed in dogs

Vasculitis leading to edema in the extremities of the dog, such as swelling of the ears, and scrotum preputium

Not so common symptoms of RMSF in dogs:

Red rash (usually 12 days after being bitten by a tick mark)

Joint swelling

Dyspnea

Mialgia

Meningoencephalitis that cause neurological symptoms such as ataxia vestibular

When I can suspect RMSF?

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most common during the period when active lice, meaning Mar.-October for most of the United States. The majority of infected dogs less than 3 years and have lived in or visited the habitat where ticks are found.

Rocky Mountain view fever prevention

In most cases, the tick must remain attached to the dog for 5-20 hours to transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Check your dog for ticks several times a day and remove ticks as soon as you see them because it is a good habit to prevent Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Topical agents, called anti-tick treatment, can be purchased and used on your dog to prevent fleas. Fiprinol and Permethrin are two examples of compounds that have been proven effective against ticks. Another alternative is to get an anti-tick collars for your dog.

Some owners choose to restrict dog access to the full mark habitats, at least during the summer when active lice.

No Rocky Mountain fever vaccine look.

Rocky Mountain view fever medicine for dogs

Because it can take a long time before samples sent for laboratory testing comes back with a definitive diagnosis in cases of suspected RMSF, most veterinarians begin to see fever Rocky Mountain treatment without waiting for test results. If the dog has a Rocky Mountain spotted fever, the result of antibiotic treatment will usually begin to appear within 24-48 hours. It should be noted that if the dog is suffering from advanced forms of RMSF may not respond to antibiotic treatment.

Besides antibiotics, many dogs will require treatment supportif. Fluid therapy, but should be used with caution because of the risk of lung and brain edema.

Two of the most commonly used Rocky Mountain fever medicine for dogs look tetracycline and doksisiklin. Tetracycline is usually given three times per day, 22-30 mg per kg body weight. Doxycycline is usually only given twice a day, and no more than 10-20 mg per kg body weight.

If puppies younger than 6 months infected with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, most vets Cloramfenikol instead. Cloramfenikol 15-30 mg per kg of body weight given three times a day has been proven to be effective for the treatment of fever in the Rocky Mountain view puppies. The problem with tetracycline is that it can cause tooth staining in young animals, including the fetus. Cloramfenikol because it is also the drug of choice for pregnant prostitute.

In older dogs, 3 mg / kg body weight of enrofloxacin given twice daily is an effective treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but can only be used on older dogs to prevent cartilage damage.

If the disease has resulted in anterior uveitis or hyphema, dogs can be given topical corticosteroids. Retinal hemorrhage, chorioretinitis and other serious lesions may require systemic corticosteroid administration.