Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tick-borne relapsing fever infection in dogs in Texas
By Piccione, J et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2016·Texas A&M University, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Five dogs in Texas were brought to the vet because they were lethargic, not eating, and had fevers. Some also showed signs of neurological issues. Blood tests revealed low platelet counts and the presence of spirochete bacteria, which are linked to Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF). The dogs were treated with oral tetracycline antibiotics, and four of them showed improvement with resolved fever and increased platelet counts. This case highlights the importance of considering TBRF in dogs with similar symptoms, especially in areas where certain ticks are common.
People also search for: dog lethargy and fever · tick-borne disease in dogs · TBRF treatment for dogs · dog not eating and fever · spirochete infection in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the United States, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) in dogs is caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia turicatae and Borrelia hermsii, transmitted by Ornithodoros spp. ticks. The hallmark diagnostic feature of this infection is the visualization of numerous spirochetes during standard blood smear examination. Although the course of spirochetemia has not been fully characterized in dogs, in humans infected with TBRF the episodes of spirochetemia and fever are intermittent. OBJECTIVES: To describe TBRF in dogs by providing additional case reports and reviewing the disease in veterinary and human medicine. ANIMALS: Five cases of privately-owned dogs naturally infected with TBRF in Texas are reviewed. METHODS: Case series and literature review. RESULTS: All dogs were examined because of lethargy, inappetence, and pyrexia. Two dogs also had signs of neurologic disease. All dogs had thrombocytopenia and spirochetemia. All cases were administered tetracyclines orally. Platelet numbers improved and spirochetemia and pyrexia resolved in 4 out of 5 dogs, where follow-up information was available. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: TBRF is likely underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. In areas endemic to Ornithodoros spp. ticks, TBRF should be considered in dogs with thrombocytopenia. Examination of standard blood smears can provide a rapid and specific diagnosis of TBRF when spirochetes are observed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27353196/