MONTAUK COLUMNS

Tips from Dr. Molly: Montauk's Mobile Vet
Tick Disease Discussion for Pets
by Dr. Molly Miosek

When I examine pets in my clinic I am always looking around the eyes, nose, neck and ears...I’m looking for TICKS...and unfortunately I very often find them. The is no such thing as a “safe tick”, they all carry bacteria these days. Even if I don’t find them I always discuss the importance of tick prevention and control for our pets and people. There are more ticks then ever, more deer, milder winters and lush landscapes are some of the causes. The bad news is ticks TRANSMIT INFECTIOUS AGENTS, that can cause diseases in our pets.

We currently have an in-office blood test that can detect the presence of Lyme and Ehrlichia antibodies. Antibodies are formed by the body in response to an infection. When a dog tests positive antibody for a disease this means the body is already fighting, or has fought a disease.

When a dog tests positive and has clinical signs of illness we treat with antibiotics. Most actively infected pets develop a fever, achy bones, loss of appetite, and some swollen lymph nodes.

Because some infected pets do not show signs of illness, we call them asymptomatic, and may treat with antibiotics depending on the dog’s tick history. There are genetic based tests that a lab can perform to identify current and specific bacteria that may be infecting your pet.

The BEST TREATMENT FOR TICK DISEASE IS PREVENTION. Current recommendations for your pet include YEAR ROUND topical tick prevention, daily exam and removal of any ticks, especially after wooded/grassy areas, and the LYME VACCINE for dogs. Additional measures to prevent small rodents and deer in pet areas, as well as professional yard pesticide treatments are very helpful for breaking the tick life cycle.

We wish you a happy summer, play nice and may the ticks stay off you and your pets! ~ Dr Molly

Copyright © 2007, Montauk Sun. All Rights Reserved.