Control of tick infestation is the only effective preventive measure. Adult ticks show a predilection to attach in the tail switch. Removal of ticks, symptomatic treatment, and good nursing care are indicated. Non-nephrotoxic antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents are useful to combat secondary infection. Immune serum can be an effective specific treatment, although associated with problems of donor availability, possible serum contamination, and IV administration of a relatively large volume. A refined precipitated immunoglobulin suspension proved ineffective as a specific treatment, probably because of low concentrations of effective immunoglobulins.
