Know All About Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Dogs

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an acute, tick-borne disease that affects dogs across Australia. Learning about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of this disease helps safeguard your dog.

What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Dogs?

The disease is caused by the intracellular parasite Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted to dogs through the bites of infected ticks, primarily the Rocky Mountain wood tick, American dog tick, lone star tick, and brown dog tick. When this bacteria enters your dog’s bloodstream, it causes inflammation in the body. Dogs cannot transfer RMSF to each other or to humans, but infected ticks can.

What are the Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Symptoms of RMSF in dogs typically appear 2-14 days after a tick bite and can range from mild to severe. Common signs include fever, loss of appetite, joint or muscle pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the face or limbs, lethargy, eye or nose discharge, nosebleeds, coughing, and enlarged lymph nodes. Around 20% of infected dogs may also develop tiny hemorrhages in the skin, and up to one-third may experience neurological symptoms like lack of coordination, seizures, balance issues, and spinal pain.

How is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Diagnosed?

Diagnosing RMSF involves the veterinarian looking for its clinical signs and performing tests like blood work, urinalysis, and x-rays. Low platelet, red blood cell, and abnormal white blood cell counts on a complete blood count can indicate RMSF. Other lab abnormalities like electrolyte imbalances, low protein, and abnormal liver/kidney values may also be present.

What is the Treatment for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Diagnosed?

The primary treatment for RMSF is antibiotics, typically tetracyclines like doxycycline. Most dogs respond well to antibiotic therapy within 24-48 hours, though those with severe infections may not improve. Supportive care like fluid therapy and blood transfusions may also be needed in some cases.

The prognosis for RMSF is generally good if caught and treated early, with many dogs developing lifelong immunity after recovery. However, dogs with a higher a higher severity of the disease are at higher risk of complications like kidney disease, neurological issues, bleeding disorders, and vasculitis.

How to Prevent Dog Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Prevention of RMSF focuses on limiting a dog’s exposure to ticks, especially during peak tick season from March to October. Thorough tick checks after outdoor activity, prompt tick removal, and year-round use of flea and tick prevention treatments are key to protecting dogs from this serious tick-borne illness.

Bottom Line

While Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a serious disease, it is not very common. With proper precautions and the use of tick prevention treatments, you can prevent the ticks that cause this disease and save your dog from its repercussions.