Deer ticks and Lyme disease

Linda · Post by **Linda** » Fri Jun 13, 2003 11:46 am

My groomer just found a deer tick, very, very small tick, on our one bichon. He pulled it off and saved it for us. We haven't ever come across a deer tick before and we live in the country so I am not sure what to watch for. Our bichon hasn't had the Lyme shot because he has an immune problem so we titer for everything instead of vaccinations. We have a 6 foot fence, chain link, around our back yard to keep the deer and other animals out but I guess this tick must of come off of something small like a squirrel or crawled in.

Anyway, is there some symptoms I should watch for to make sure he doesn't develop Lyme disease? I still have the tick in a bottle. Thanks in advance for any help.

davet · Post by **davet** » Fri Jun 13, 2003 1:36 pm

be a good idea to use prophylactic antibiotics o keep a close eye on the tick bite spot...if any inflammation or redness occurs, run, don't walk to your vet..i would doubt that you have a problem but not worth while taking a chance,.if you wait for symptons, like lameness etc then the wait has been too long

k9Karen · Post by **k9Karen** » Fri Jun 13, 2003 5:43 pm

I agree with davet. Unless you are in an area where Lyme disease (and other tick-borne diseases like Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, etc.) are completely unheard of, I personally would feel more comfortable with a prophalactic course of antibiotics if it were my dog.

BTW - This time of year, I believe the main host to the deer tick is the white-footed mouse, so it would be very easy for the tick to get past your fence. I believe the nymphs are on the mouse in the Spring and the adults winter on the deer (not completely sure of that though).

Linda · Post by **Linda** » Fri Jun 13, 2003 9:09 pm

and talked with a lab tech there and she doesn't seem to be concerned. She said they don't normally put dogs on antibiotics for deer ticks. I am concerned and would rather be safe then sorry so I will call and talk to the vet myself on Monday. Thanks for the help!

davet · Post by **davet** » Fri Jun 13, 2003 9:32 pm

go by his/her reccomendation, in other words if he/she has never seen Lymes in your area then the reccomendation would be best..but ask him/her/it what if any symptons you should look for just as a precaution.....

Linda · Post by **Linda** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 9:45 am

there has been reported cases of Lyme disease in our area. We live in the country with a lot of deer and wild animals and our neighbor, she lives a little ways down the road, has a very severe case of Lyme disease she has been fighting for about 12 years now. It has really done a very, very serious number on her. I know of a few people in our area that have had or has Lyme Disease so it is a worry. I think I need to talk to the vet personally on Monday morning. Thanks again.

labby · Post by **labby** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 3:35 pm

I agree with davet. I've been treated twice for Lyme and one of my dogs was treated the last time I was even though the dog wasn't showing symptoms. She had been with me when I apparently picked up the tick so to be safe we hit her with the antibiotics as well.

I'd rather be safe than sorry with this.

CatHelp-Online :: Forums

Deer ticks and Lyme disease

Deer ticks and Lyme disease

best to check with your vet as to whether it might

Re: Deer ticks and Lyme disease

Thanks Davet and K9-Karen. I called the vets office....msg.

your vet probaboly knows the situation better so i would

Thanks again, Davet. The only problem is..msg.

Re: Deer ticks and Lyme disease