What are the effects of a tick bite in dogs? - briefly
Tick attachment can transmit pathogens such as Borrelia, Ehrlichia, and Babesia, producing fever, joint inflammation, anemia, and neurological signs. It also causes local skin irritation, ulceration, and may predispose the dog to secondary bacterial infection.
What are the effects of a tick bite in dogs? - in detail
A tick attachment can produce immediate tissue damage at the feeding site. The mouthparts create a small puncture, often leading to erythema, swelling, and a raised nodule that may become ulcerated if the parasite remains attached for several days.
Systemic consequences arise from pathogens transmitted during prolonged feeding. Commonly associated infectious agents and their clinical manifestations include:
- Borrelia burgdorferi – fever, lameness, joint swelling, and renal involvement in advanced stages.
- Ehrlichia canis – thrombocytopenia, anemia, weight loss, and occasional neurologic signs.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – fever, lethargy, neutropenia, and potential respiratory distress.
- Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever) – high fever, petechial rash, vomiting, and severe vascular damage.
- Babesia spp. – hemolytic anemia, icterus, hemoglobinuria, and possible organ failure.
- Tick‑borne paralysis toxin – progressive weakness beginning in hind limbs, ascending to respiratory muscles; may culminate in fatal respiratory arrest if untreated.
Allergic reactions to tick saliva can cause pruritus, localized edema, and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Secondary bacterial infection of the bite wound may present as purulent drainage, increased warmth, and pain, requiring antimicrobial therapy.
Hematologic effects stem from blood loss and immune-mediated destruction of red cells, resulting in anemia and reduced oxygen‑carrying capacity. Chronic infestations can lead to protein loss through the skin, contributing to hypoalbuminemia and edema.
Prompt removal of the tick, followed by a thorough examination of the attachment site and systemic evaluation, is essential. Diagnostic tests—PCR, serology, complete blood count, and serum chemistry—aid in identifying specific infections. Treatment protocols typically combine acaricidal agents, targeted antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline for most bacterial pathogens), supportive care for anemia, and, when paralysis is suspected, antitoxin administration and respiratory support.
Early intervention limits tissue damage, reduces pathogen transmission risk, and improves prognosis across the spectrum of tick‑related complications.