Washtenaw Veterinary Hospital
May 2021 Newsletter
We have been seeing more ticks on both our cats and dog patients this spring
There are several scary diseases that are spread to people by many types of ticks. Some of these ticks transmit the same diseases to our pets.
- American Dog Tick: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia
- Blacklegged/Deer Tick: Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis
- Brown Dog Tick: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Gulf Coast Tick: Rickettsiosis
- Ixodes Scapularis Ticks: Babesiosis, Lyme Disease
- Lone Star Tick: Erlichiosis, Heartland Virus, Tuaremia, STARI
- Rocky Mountain Wood Tick: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Western Blacklegged Tick: Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis
According to the Washtenaw County Health department, in our county the five ticks that are endemic are the American Dog Tick, Blacklegged Tick, Lone Start Tick, Woodchuck Tick and the Brown Dog Tick.
Because your pets can get many diseases from ticks, it is important to prevent tick infestations in the first place. Like a lot of pet products, there are many options available for tick prevention. No product will keep ticks from getting onto your pet, however the goal of prevention is to use a product that will kill these parasites as quickly as possible to reduce the chance of disease transmission. When coming in from outdoors, pets should be checked to make sure they are not carrying any freeloading arthropods. This may be done by running a brush or comb through the coat, focusing especially around the head and neck area, to dislodge any unwanted guests before to they burrow into the fur and attach to the skin. Be prepared with a tick removing tool if you find a tick that is already attacked. Sadly these days we need to remember that preventing and removing ticks is not an option, but something that is required to take care of your pets.
MyVetStoreOnline
Let us help you pick the right tick prevention for your pet! There are many good choices available from our hospital's online store.
Did you know that pets can have seasonal allergies too?
Young age of onset
- Seasonal itchiness due to atopy tends to begin early in a pet's life (usually between 1 to 3 years of age in 70% of dogs) Food allergy tends to begin either later (between 5 to 6 years in dogs) or earlier (less than 6 months of age) The age at which itching first manifests is not as reliable a sign in car as it is in dogs.
Mostly indoor lifestyle
- Many airborne allergens are concentrated indoors, however it is important to note that allergens may be suspended in the air for miles making them difficult to escape.
Good response to steroids
- In both dogs and cats, itchiness due to atopy responses rapidly to cortisone-type medications (prednisone, betamethasone, dexamethasone, ect.) Itching due to insect bite allergies also respond well to steroid therapy. Food allergies are most variable in response; steroids may help in some cases
Chronic or reoccurring yeast infections of the skin
- Yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis) resides on the surface of the skin normally. Allergies cause changes to the skin's microenvironment, and yeast can proliferate and create a malodorous, thickened, pigmented skin that may resemble elephant skin or tree bark. Environmental allergy is a strong predisposing factor in developing yeast dermatitis.
Front feet involved
- Chewing the top of the paws and licking between the toes is a classic feature of atopic dermatitis.
Ear flaps involved
- The non-haired, inside portion of the ear flap is commonly involved in atopic dermatitis. Inflammation may extend down the ear canal and lead to ear infections. The pinna may become greasy, red, thickened, malodorous or any combination of the above.
Lower back area not involved
- The lower back is the flea bite zone. There are few conditions other than flea bite allergy that cause itching in this area. If this area is involved, make sure flea control is achieved before further evaluating the akin.
Please make an appointment with us to examine and discuss treatment plans to make your pet more comfortable and avoid secondary infections. Bringing a complete diet history and historical itching information to your visit is very helpful. There are many new safe treatment options available for allergies!
Why do we recommend Leptospirosis vaccination annually?
Signs and symptoms
The clinical signs of Leptospirosis vary and are nonspecific. Sometimes pets do not display any symptoms. Common clinical symptoms reported in dogs include:
- fever
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- inappetence
- severe weakness and depression
- severe muscle pain and stiffness
- inability to have puppies
Generally younger animals are more seriously affected than older animals. If you think you pet may have Leptospirosis, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your vet can perform tests to determine whether or not your pet has the disease. Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics. If an animals is treated early, it may recover more rapidly and any organ damage may be less severe. Other treatment methods, such as dialysis and hydration therapy, may be required.
Prevention in Pets
To help prevent Leptospirosis infection, keep rodent problems under control. The most important tool for prevention is to get your pet vaccinated against Leptospirosis. The vaccine does not provide protection against all strains of the leptospires, but it is still important to have your pet vaccinated!
Check out this article from PetMD for more information - Leptospirosis
About Us
Email: frontdesk@wvhcares.com
Website: www.washtenawveterinaryhospital.com
Location: 2729 Packard Road, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Phone: (734) 971-5800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Washtenaw-Veterinary-Hospital-1607321092883276/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Twitter: @Washtenaw_Vet