Tick Fever

Tick Fever Vaccine...
Nobivac® Piro (Reg No. G3755 Act 36/1947, N-SR 1368) is the first biliary vaccine in South Africa. The vaccine contains soluble parasite antigens (SPAs) of B. rossi and B. canis. The vaccine therefore does not contain the actual babesia parasites. SPAs are toxic substances that are released by the babesia parasites, and these SPAs are responsible for the signs seen as well as the multiple organ dysfunction seen in the atypical or complicated form of biliary. Multiple organ dysfunction results from the SPAs that induce the clumping together of red blood cells and therefore small blood clots, decreased blood pressure, decreased blood flow and oxygen supplementation to organs. By vaccinating with Nobivac® Piro, the vaccine induced immunity protects against the effects of SPAs following biliary infection in vaccinated dogs. The vaccine is therefore indicated to reduce the severity of biliary signs. In a local trial that was done, dogs were vaccinated and then infected with biliary parasites. These vaccinated dogs showed a significant reduction in clinical signs, plasma SPA levels and number of parasites within the red blood cells and all recovered without treatment. The control dogs that were not vaccinated, had to however be treated to prevent death.

Nobivac Piro is a vaccine with an action entirely different to most commonly used vaccines (eg.Parvo and Distemper type vaccines). It should therefore be clearly understood that dogs vaccinated with Nobivac® Piro might possibly still become infected with Babesia parasites and even show signs of biliary, but prior vaccination according to the recommended schedule, will allow time to treat; complicated cases may be prevented; the biliary signs will be less severe; and deaths may be prevented.

Tick control remains essential in vaccinated dogs, as the yellow dog tick spends approximately 94 to 97% of their life off-host, within the environment. Therefore only approximately 5% of the yellow dog tick population occur on dogs. An integrated control strategy is needed to beat biliary! An integrated control strategy would involve the following:
Vaccination with Nobivac® Piro from 6 months of age. To complete the basic vaccination protocol, a booster vaccination is required 3 to 6 weeks after the initial vaccination. Thereafter revaccination is required every 6 months.
Habitat control – seal off cracks and crevices in kennels; keep grass and weeds cut short; use tick control products in kennels; with regular washing of bedding

Effective tick control on the dog
Ask your veterinarian for more information regarding the use of Nobivac® Piro in beating biliary in dogs!

Tick Bite Fevers...
Canine Babesiosis & Canine Erlichiosis

A guide for owners which deals with tick bite fevers in dogs.
CANINE BABESIOSIS (BILIARY/TICK FEVER)

This, perhaps the most common infectious disease of dogs, is also known as tick bite fever or “Bosluiskoors” in Afrikaans. It is caused by a tiny parasite ( Babesia canis) which is introduced into the body by a tick bite. This parasite then enters and destroys red blood cells. Biliary in dogs has a lot in common with malaria in man, except that in the latter, a mosquito is the vector.

Clinical signs of disease
The peracute (very sudden and severe) form causes death within a few hours and treatment is of little avail. More commonly dogs suffer from the acute or subacute form. This is recognised by the dog being listless or lethargic, losing its appetite and running a temperature. If your dog is off its food, take a rectal temperature reading. If this is 39° C or higher you should have the dog examined – do not wait until its mucous membranes become pale, white or yellow, which commonly suggests a more advanced stage of the disease. Fever is present only while the patient is actively fighting the parasite; the disease may be present with a normal (38,5° C) or subnormal temperature. Yellow faeces and brown or red urine also suggests the presence of biliary fever.

Treatment
Treatment should only be given after a positive diagnosis has been made by means of a blood test. Usually treatment is effective, depending on several factors, but the majority will respond. In early cases simple injections are usually sufficient, but in others blood transfusions, electrolyte infusions per vein, liver tonics, blood- building, etc., may be required.

Diet
Avoid fatty foods, and give a good quality balanced dog food. A tonic and/or follow up treatment may be required if the animal does not appear to be responding to the initial treatment.

Prevention
Rely on reducing the dog’s tick population by regular use of approved tick control measures that may be recommended by your veterinarian. A vaccine reducing the complications related to billiary is now available from your veterinarian.

CANINE EHRLICHIOSIS (TICKBITE FEVER)
Canine ehrlichiosis is a disease of dogs caused by a tiny parasite (Ehrlichia canis) which is injected into the dog’s bloodstream by a tick. The disease can vary from acute to chronic. The most important effects of the parasite are a destruction of red blood cells and a suppression of the function of the bone marrow.
Clinical signs of disease

• Fever that is continuous or intermittent.

• Loss of appetite (complete to intermittent}.

• Listlessness (variable}.

• Progressive loss in body condition.

• Progressive development of pale gums.

• The dog may occasionally develop nose bleeds.

Treatment
Treatment is usually initiated when the disease has been confirmed by tests such as examination of a blood smear. The medication is usually given either orally and/or intravenously. Prolonged treatment may at times be necessary. Supportive treatment may include a blood transfusion, fluid administration, etc. Treatment is usually successful in the acute and subacute stages of the disease but in advanced chronic cases, the prognosis is often hopeless.

Prevention
There is no vaccine available. Rely on reducing the dog’s tick population by regular use of approved tick control measures that may be recommended by your veterinarian.