Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatm

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) typically occurs during the peak activity of ticks, which is usually in the spring and summer months. Dogs at a higher risk include those under four years of age and large breed dogs, primarily because they tend to spend more time outdoors. Purebred dogs are more susceptible to RMSF symptoms than mixed breeds, with German Shepherds potentially facing an even greater risk of infection. In cases of active RMSF, any organ in the body can be affected.

Here are some symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in dogs:

Fever, often exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Depression

Decreased appetite

Lymphadenopathy, or swelling of lymph nodes throughout the body

Subcutaneous hemorrhages, or spots of bleeding under the skin

Uveitis, an inflammation of the inner part of the eye

Joint swelling or pain

Diagnosing Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Dogs

Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause and guide treatment recommendations. These tests may include a complete blood count, biochemical analysis, urinalysis, coagulation tests, indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) testing, and antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing.

Treatment for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Depending on the severity of the infection and clinical symptoms, the affected pet may require hospitalization for several days.

Tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline or tetracycline) or chloramphenicol are the firstline antibiotics for treating rickettsial diseases.

IV fluids may be used to treat pets with active vomiting, dehydration due to vomiting, or evidence of kidney dysfunction caused by RMSF.

Colloids can be used to prevent edema in pets with low blood protein levels.

Plasma may be necessary for pets with abnormal bleeding or low blood protein levels.

Nutritional support may be required for pets that have not eaten for several days or have been vomiting for an extended period.

Home Care and Prevention

Follow your veterinarian's instructions for antibiotic use strictly. Antibiotic treatment typically lasts for 23 weeks. It is crucial to complete the entire course of medication as stopping too early can lead to recurrence of the infection.

If administering the medication is difficult, or if the pet becomes nauseous or vomits after taking the antibiotic, contact your veterinarian immediately.

There is currently no vaccine for RMSF. Infected pets can develop immunity to subsequent infections within 9 to 12 months. Regularly check your pet for ticks when they come indoors, especially during spring and summer when ticks are most active. Remove ticks from your pet immediately upon discovery. Rickettsiainfected ticks must be attached for 5 to 20 hours before they can transmit the disease to your pet. If the tick is removed before this time, transmission will not occur.

Be cautious when removing ticks from your pet to avoid exposing yourself. Wear gloves or use tweezers to prevent the tick's fluids from contacting any skin abrasions. If your yard is infested with a high number of ticks, consider using environmental sprays to control tick populations.

Use oral or topical tick prevention medications to prevent and kill ticks before they harm your pet.