Ticks are a pest in Abruzzo for both humans and pets. We furry friend parents diligently put tick collars on our pets and check our pet’s coats regularly, but what happens if a particularly nasty one gets through our defences and carries Tick Fever or Lyme Disease?  Would you know what to look for in your pet and who to see for example if your local vet is unavailable?

Miss Button

Meet Button who recently went down with tick fever.  She is a Border Collie X Pastore Abruzzese (Abruzzo Sheep Dog).  Her pet parents are members of our Fb group and are based in Rapino where they are restoring their farmhouse Brambletye themselves.  Her family noticed that she was not eating, limping, lethargic, feverish, not wanting to leave her bed and lacking her usual bounce.

After learning that their local vets were closed, they rushed her to their nearest 24-hour animal hospital, there are 2 of these in Abruzzo in Pescara and Teramo and a vet network that operates outside of regular working hours.  He immediately took a blood test and confirmed she had Tick Fever and put her on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. It has taken her a week to regain some of her bounce, but she is not out of the woods yet, one day good, one day slow.   Abruzzo’s fantastic sausage has come in very handy for persuading her to swallow her tablets!

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary from dog to dog, and some dogs may not exhibit all of the typical signs. If you suspect your dog may be infected with Tick Fever or Lyme Disease immediately see a vet for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Tick Fever results in the loss of 10% of all dogs that catch it

Here are the general differences in symptoms between the two conditions:

Tick Fever (Ehrlichiosis or Anaplasmosis):

• • Fever: Dogs with tick fever often develop a high fever.
  • Lethargy: They may appear weak, lethargic, and have a decreased appetite.
  • Joint and muscle pain: Dogs may experience lameness, stiffness, and reluctance to move.
  • Bleeding disorders: Some dogs may develop bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding from other areas.
  • Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes can be observed in some cases.
  • Eye and nasal discharge: Dogs may have a thick, pus-like discharge from the eyes or nose.
  • Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss can occur.
  • Respiratory symptoms: Coughing and difficulty breathing may be seen in severe cases.

Lyme Disease (Lyme Borreliosis):

• • Lameness: One of the hallmark symptoms is recurrent or shifting lameness, often with swelling and pain in the joints.
  • Fever: Dogs may have a mild fever, which can come and go.
  • Loss of appetite: Decreased appetite and weight loss may be observed.
  • Lethargy: Dogs may seem tired or less active than usual.
  • Stiffness: Dogs may exhibit stiffness, particularly in the morning or after rest.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes: Swollen lymph nodes can sometimes be felt under the skin.
  • Kidney problems: In some cases, kidney disease can occur as a complication of Lyme disease, leading to increased thirst and urination.
  • Neurological symptoms: Although rare, severe cases may lead to neurological issues like weakness, tremors, or difficulty walking.

Abruzzo’s 24 Hour Animal Hopsitals

Teramo – OVUD TERAMO

Pescara – OSPEDALE VETERINARIO H24 ABRUZZO

Author: Sam Dunham

Sam is a very lucky midlife 'mamma' to A who is 12 and juggles her work as a self-employed freelance SEO food and travel copywriter and EFL teacher. She is the founder of the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, co-founder of Let's Blog Abruzzo. she is the founder of the 'English in the Woods' initiative, teaching English outdoors in a forest style school.