Silent Killers: Unmasking the Severe Threat of Tick-Borne Diseases to Dogs in India

Introduction: A Call for Heightened Awareness

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a serious and growing health issue for dogs in India. Millions of dogs get infected each year, and many deaths go unreported. The warm climate and large dog population support tick survival. This guide from PetYaari Pet Clinic aims to help Indian pet owners and encourages vets to stay alert. We will discuss TBD effects, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

The Hidden Epidemic: Under-recognised Severity and Mortality of Tick Fever in India

Many dogs in major Indian cities suffer from TBDs. Mortality rates during severe outbreaks range from 15% to 40%. These diseases are not minor; they can be fatal. Early symptoms are often vague, which leads to misdiagnosis and delays in treatment. PetYaari Pet Clinic wants to raise awareness about this hidden epidemic. They aim to promote proactive measures.

Understanding Tick-Borne Diseases (TBDs)

Tick-borne diseases are caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses transmitted through tick bites. In India, the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is the primary carrier. It thrives in warm, humid conditions. Infection rates are very high. In Tamil Nadu, stray dogs have rates of up to 67.8%. This comes from a survey on canine tick-borne diseases in India. These diseases can also spread from dogs to humans.

Common Tick-Borne Diseases Affecting Dogs in India:

Several TBDs are widespread in the country. Key ones include:

Hepatozoon canis:

This is often the most common tick-borne pathogen in India. Studies show infection rates of up to 37.8% in certain areas. It causes Hepatozoonosis, leading to chronic illness.

Ehrlichia canis:

Ehrlichiosis is caused by this pathogen. Studies show infection rates range from 9.5% to over 16%. It can lead to severe illness.

Anaplasma platys:

This bacterium causes canine cyclic thrombocytopenia. It affects platelet counts, and researchers found it in 8.2% to 22.6% of dogs in different Indian studies.

Babesia gibsoni/vogeli:

These protozoan parasites cause Babesiosis, a serious condition that can lead to anaemia. Researchers report the prevalence to be between 10.4% and 10.5%.

Prevalence and Escalating Regional Risks

India has a large dog population, with over 33 million pet dogs and 62 million strays. These dogs now face increasing risks from TBDs. Cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad face high-risk levels for several reasons:

• Favourable climate: Hot and humid weather supports year-round tick survival.
• Dense dog populations: Many dogs, especially strays, can spread ticks. When there are lots of dogs and they don’t get regular ectoparasite control, the problem worsens.
• Rapid urbanisation: unplanned city growth causes poor sanitation and thick vegetation. This creates perfect habitats for ticks.

A 2011 study in Tamil Nadu reported a 49.7% prevalence of TBDs. A 2019 study revealed a shocking 67.8% infection rate in stray dogs. This shows that we need to take action right away.

Recognising the Red Flags: Symptoms of Tick-Borne Diseases

Symptoms of TBDs can vary based on the pathogen and the dog’s health. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.

General symptoms often seen:

Fever is often the first sign. Other signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. You might notice pale gums, which indicate anaemia, and swollen lymph nodes.

Babesiosis Specifics:

You may notice dark or reddish urine, severe anaemia, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin, gums, or eyes). These symptoms are mostly linked to B. gibsoni infections.

Ehrlichiosis Progression:

Acute phase symptoms include fever and lethargy. Chronic cases can lead to severe bleeding, neurological issues, and bone marrow suppression.

Anaplasmosis Indicators:

Low platelet counts can lead to bleeding. This may show as small red or purple spots on the skin or bruising.

Hepatozoonosis Manifestations:

Often chronic, causing muscle pain, weakness, weight loss, anaemia, and difficulty in walking.

Lyme disease (less common in much of India but possible):

Lameness, joint swelling, fever, and reluctance to move.

Tick Paralysis:

Some ticks’ saliva contains neurotoxins. These can cause weakness, loss of coordination, and may even result in paralysis.

Navigating Specific Tick-Borne Diseases: A Closer Look

Babesiosis (Canine Piroplasmosis):

• Cause: Protozoan parasites Babesia gibsoni and Babesia vogeli.
• Symptoms: High fever, severe anaemia, jaundice, dark urine, weakness, and an enlarged spleen.
• Treatment: Antiprotozoal drugs like imidocarb dipropionate and supportive care are often critical.

Anaplasma platys (Infectious Canine Cyclic Thrombocytopenia):

• Cause: Bacterium Anaplasma platys.
• Symptoms: Recurrent fever, lethargy, bruising, and bleeding due to low platelet counts.
• Antibiotics, typically doxycycline, are used for treatment.

Ehrlichia canis (Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis):

• Cause: Bacterium Ehrlichia canis.
• Stages & Symptoms:
  • Acute: Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes (1-3 weeks post-bite).
  • Subclinical: The dog may appear normal but carries the infection (months to years).
  • Chronic: If not treated, it can cause heavy bleeding, leading to severe anaemia. weight loss, and neurological signs are noticed.
• Treatment: Doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice, often for an extended period.

Hepatozoon canis (Hepatozoonosis):

• Cause: Protozoan parasite Hepatozoon canis (transmitted by ingesting an infected tick).
• Symptoms: Chronic disease with fever that comes and goes. It has severe muscle pain, weakness, weight loss, and anaemia.
• Treatment: Combination therapy often involving imidocarb dipropionate, doxycycline, and possibly other antiprotozoals. Relapses are common.

Lyme disease (Borreliosis):

• Cause: Bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
• Symptoms: Recurrent lameness, fever, lethargy, and swollen joints. Kidney disease is a severe but less common manifestation.
• Treatment: Doxycycline is the standard antibiotic.

Tick Paralysis:

• Cause: Neurotoxins from certain female ticks.
• Symptoms: Weakness starts in the hind limbs and worsens to paralysis in the forelimbs. If untreated, it can lead to respiratory failure.
• Treatment: Remove all ticks with caution. Symptoms usually improve within 24 to 72 hours after removal.

Combating the Menace: Treatment and Prevention of Ticks and TBDs

A multi-pronged approach involving diligent pet owners and alert veterinary professionals is vital.

1. Tick Removal: The First Step

1. If you find a tick on your dog, use fine-tipped tweezers or a specialised tick removal tool.
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
3. Pull straight up with steady, even pressure.
4. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can leave mouth parts in the skin.
5. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or an antiseptic.
6. Dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag, or flushing it.
7. Avoid crushing it with your fingers.

2. Veterinary Treatment for TBDs

Effective treatment depends on accurate diagnosis and prompt intervention.

Diagnosis:

Initial blood smears can show parasites. Advanced tests, such as PCR, at PetYaari Pet Clinic, help to identify pathogens.

Medication:

Doctors treat TBDs with specific antibiotics. For example, doctors use doxycycline for Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Lyme disease. They also use antiprotozoal drugs (like imidocarb dipropionate) based on the pathogen. Treatment can be lengthy, and supportive care is often essential in severe cases.

3. Clinical Considerations for Veterinary Professionals:

• Look for TBDs in dogs with unexplained fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Watch for low platelet or red blood cell counts. Also, note any lameness that shifts from leg to leg, particularly in high-risk areas.
• Gather detailed history on the dog’s potential exposure to ticks and travel.
• Multiple tick-borne infections can occur together, complicating diagnosis and treatment. We advise comprehensive diagnostics.
• Educate pet owners on year-round tick prevention and early signs of TBDs for prompt care.

4. Proactive Prevention: The First Line of Defence

Prevention is better than a cure, especially for serious diseases.

Veterinary-Approved Tick Preventatives:

• Spot-on treatments: Apply monthly on the skin.
• Tick collars provide long-term protection for months.
• Chewable tablets: kill ticks after they bite. They usually last for a month.
• Sprays/Shampoos: They provide short-term protection. They are useful in risky situations or for quick relief.

Talk to your vet at PetYaari Pet Clinic or your local vet. They can help you choose the best product for your dog’s lifestyle and any risk factors.

Regular Checks:

Inspect your dog for ticks daily, especially after walks or outdoor activities. Focus on the ears, between the toes, groin, armpits, and under the collar.

Environmental Control:

Keep your home clean. Trim grass and shrubs in your yard. For high-risk areas, consider pet-safe acaricides (following professional advice).

Beyond Ticks: Related Vector-Borne Concerns

Conclusion: A United Front Against a Formidable Foe

Tick-borne diseases pose a big risk to dog health in India. This holds in humid cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. These diseases can lead to chronic illness, life-threatening crises, or death. A sudden illness from tick fever can be distressing for pet owners.

PetYaari Pet Clinic dedicates itself to raising awareness about these diseases. We offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options. We urge pet owners to be vigilant.

• Use preventatives all year.
• Check for ticks every day.
• Get veterinary care right away if you notice any signs of illness.

We suggest that vets in India focus on tick-borne diseases in their diagnoses. This is especially important for cases with fever or anaemia. This approach can lead to early detection, better treatment, and may help avoid tragic losses. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial.

Your dog’s health is precious. For full tick-borne disease care in Hyderabad, Book appointment with PetYaari Pet Clinic. They offer expert help and advanced tests.

References

1. A survey of canine tick-borne diseases in India, prevalence in Tamil Nadu
2. Canine vector-borne pathogens from dogs and ticks from Tamil Nadu, India, high prevalence in strays
3. Dog: Canine mortality sees spike from tick-borne infections, Chennai report on mortality
4. Tick Fever in Dogs: Signs and Treatment of Babesia and Ehrlichia, rising concern in India
5. India: population of pet dogs, estimated 33 million in 2023
6. Stray dog menace – There are 62 million stray dogs in India, population estimate
7. Important tick-borne diseases in India, distribution of vectors and climate impact
8. Expert tips to save your dog from TICK fever, urban tick habitats discussion
9. X post by joedelhi, policy gaps and imported breeds