Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a disease that affects both people and dogs and is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria. This disease occurs in certain parts of North, Central, and South America and is spread mainly through tick bites.
In the United States, the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick are the most important carriers. The brown dog tick can also spread the disease in some areas, including Arizona, and in other countries.
The disease doesn't spread directly from dogs to people. However, people can become infected if they are exposed to fluids from crushed or blood-filled ticks while removing them from pets or themselves, especially if those fluids come into contact with wounds in their skin or with their eyes.
Dogs are highly susceptible to infection. Early signs include high fever (up to 105°F or 40.6°C), loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes and joints, coughing or breathing difficulty, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling of the face or legs. In severe cases, small purplish-red spots can appear on the lining of the eyes and mouth because of bleeding under the surface. Nervous system signs, such as behavior changes, poor balance, and pain over the spine, can also occur. Up to 10% of infected dogs die from the disease.
Diagnosis is usually based on blood tests. Because early treatment is critical, veterinarians often begin antibiotics immediately if Rocky Mountain spotted fever is suspected, without waiting for test results. Delays in treatment can increase the risk of severe illness or death. Supportive care, such as injections of fluids or treatment for bleeding, might also be needed.
Prevention focuses on controlling ticks. This includes avoiding tick-infested areas, using veterinarian-recommended products to prevent ticks, and carefully removing any ticks found on the dog. Ticks should be removed with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping the tick close to the skin and pulling straight out without squeezing the tick's body. When several ticks are present, asking the vet to remove them can be safest. Being careful is important because exposure to infected tick fluids can also pose a risk to people.
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