In Central Illinois, we commonly diagnose canines with Lyme disease. Ticks transmit the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria to the host while feeding. Ticks are frequently found near dense vegetation like tall grass or wooded areas. Ticks use their senses to identify and attach to the host. They wait for a vibration, smell, or feeling of warmth and reach out to attach to the host. Ticks, once hatched, require blood to survive in every life cycle. Although at least 15 species of ticks occur in Illinois, only a few of these ticks are likely to be encountered by people and pets:
American dog tick,
Lone star tick,
Blacklegged (deer) tick,
Brown dog tick and
Winter tick.
The Blacklegged (deer) tick is responsible for spreading Lyme disease in central Illinois.
Some patients are diagnosed with Lyme through incidental findings. Others are diagnosed when they develop fever, lameness, or lethargy symptoms. Advanced Lyme Disease can be severe, causing kidney failure. Preventing tick bites and prompt removal of ticks are crucial to preventing lyme disease. Removal of ticks within 24 hours greatly reduces transmission.
We do not recommend over-the- counter (OTC) flea and tick prevention. Year round, prescription prevention is the safest and provides the best protection against tick bites and lyme disease. For our canine patients we recommend chewable prescription prevention only. The chewable prevention will kill ticks within hours, killing the tick before transmission is complete . There are numerous different options, some offering 30 days of protection, other 90 days of protection.
We also recommend dogs are vaccinated against lyme disease. A dog vaccinated for lyme disease before exposure is less likely to experience severe complications of lyme disease. The vaccine used at our clinic not only stops the bacteria from causing harm in dogs but also kills Borrelia burgdorferi in the tick’s midgut.
As mentioned above it is crucial to promptly and correctly remove ticks. Incorrectly removing a tick can regurgitate its stomach contents into the wound, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Incorrect removal methods, such as squeezing or twisting the tick, can cause it to break apart, leaving parts of its mouthparts embedded in the skin. These left-behind mouth parts can lead to infection or localized reactions.
Proper removal techniques minimize discomfort and trauma to the skin. Ticks can be firmly attached, and incorrect removal methods may cause pain or irritation. Some pets may be allergic to tick saliva or components of the tick’s body. Proper removal reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions.
If you damage the skin during improper tick removal, it may become susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. Proper removal reduces this risk. Please see the video below for tips on proper tick removal.
As always, prevention is the best medicine. Annual vaccinations, health screenings, and preventative treatments keep your pet healthy.