What will happen if a prophylactic injection for ticks is not given? - briefly
Without the preventive tick injection, the animal becomes susceptible to tick attachment and the transmission of pathogens such as Borrelia, which can cause Lyme disease and other serious infections. This raises the risk of clinical illness, costly treatment, and possible death.
What will happen if a prophylactic injection for ticks is not given? - in detail
If a preventive tick‑bite injection is omitted, the individual remains vulnerable to the pathogens that ticks commonly transmit. Without the vaccine‑induced immunity, the following outcomes are likely:
- Increased incidence of tick‑borne diseases – pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), Babesia microti (babesiosis), and Rickettsia spp. can establish infection after a bite.
- Delayed symptom onset – early manifestations (fever, headache, fatigue, erythema migrans) may appear days to weeks after exposure, complicating diagnosis.
- Higher risk of severe complications – untreated Lyme disease can progress to arthritis, neurologic disorders, or cardiac involvement; anaplasmosis may cause respiratory distress or organ failure in immunocompromised patients; babesiosis can lead to hemolytic anemia and renal impairment.
- Extended treatment courses – antibiotic regimens for established infections often require longer durations and may involve intravenous administration, increasing healthcare costs and the potential for adverse drug reactions.
- Potential for secondary transmission – some tick‑borne pathogens persist in animal reservoirs; human infection can contribute to broader ecological cycles, raising community health risks.
In regions where tick activity peaks during warm months, the absence of prophylaxis also means reliance on alternative protective measures—regular tick checks, repellents, and prompt removal of attached ticks. These methods reduce but do not eliminate exposure, especially for individuals with limited access to immediate medical care or those with occupational exposure (forestry, agriculture, outdoor recreation).
Overall, foregoing the injection leaves a person susceptible to infection, escalates the likelihood of serious disease outcomes, and imposes greater clinical and economic burdens compared with the preventive approach.