Rocky Mountain wood tick

Dermacentor andersoni

Identification

This tick has a similar appearance to the American dog tick, but it’s distinguishable by its bright red body, which is shaped like a teardrop. Females have a white-colored shield. Males have gray and white spots on their body.⁹

Nymph

Male

Female

Engorged Female

Approximate Distribution

As the name suggests, the Rocky Mountain wood tick is found in the Rocky Mountain states in an area from eastern California to eastern Colorado and north to the Canadian border.¹⁰

Hosts

The Rocky Mountain wood tick is a three-host tick, meaning its preferred host depends on the stage of its life cycle. Larvae and nymphs feed on small mammals like voles, mice, and squirrels. Adults prefer larger mammals like raccoons, dogs, white-tailed deer, and cattle.¹¹

Habitat

Rocky Mountain wood ticks are found in grasslands, shrublands, lightly wooded areas, and along trails.¹²

Diseases associated with Dermacentor andersoni^{20, 21}

Rickettsiosis (spotted fever group)

Spotted fever group Rickettsiosisis a group of diseases caused by various species of the Rickettsia bacteria. They can affect both cats and dogs, though cats generally show no symptoms and may have been infected by contact with fleas, not ticks.^{38, 39}

Clinical Signs

In dogs:³⁸

Fever
Loss of appetite
Swollen lymph nodes
Painful joints
Coughing
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Swelling of face or extremities

Diagnosis and testing

To diagnose a dog, your veterinarian will likely use a combination of observing the signs and conducting blood and laboratory testing.³⁸

Treatment

Treatment typically involves the use of the antibiotic doxycycline. In addition to medication, your pet may receive supportive care and careful monitoring to help manage symptoms and ensure well-being.³⁸

References

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Dogs. Merck Vet Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/rickettsial-diseases/rocky-mountain-spotted-fever-in-dogs
Flea-borne Rickettsiosis. Companion Animal Parasite Council. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/flea-borne-rickettsiosis/

Tick paralysis

Tick paralysis is caused by the exposure to neurotoxin released by a tick’s salivary glands when it bites. It’s a severe and potentially fatal condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Both dogs and cats can be affected. Signs typically appear between three and nine days after the tick attaches, depending on the tick species.⁴³

Clinical Signs

In dogs and cats:⁴³

Change or loss of voice
Lack of coordination in hind legs
Changes in breathing rate and effort
Gagging
Coughing
Vomiting
Dilated pupils

Diagnosis and testing

Diagnosis is primarily based on the presence of a tick and the observation of clinical signs. Specific laboratory tests are not typically available for tick paralysis.⁴³

Treatment

Treating tick paralysis involves several crucial steps. First and foremost is the removal of the attached tick. Supportive care, such as IV fluids and respiratory support, is also important, as is reducing anxiety and stress in your pet.⁴³

References

Tick Paralysis in Animals. Merck Vet Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/nervous-system/tick-paralysis/tick-paralysis-in-animals

Tularemia

Tularemia, sometimes called rabbit fever, is a disease caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis. It’s aserious condition that affects both dogs and cats. Even with early diagnosis and treatment, the death rate among cats with tularemia is high. In dogs, early treatment is crucial to prevent death, and in some cases, prolonged treatment may be necessary.^{44, 45}

Clinical Signs

In cats and dogs:^{44, 45}

Sudden high fever
Swollen glands
Decreased energy
Loss of appetite

Some cats may show no signs of the disease, while others may become very ill.⁴⁵

Diagnosis and testing

Diagnosis involves blood tests to detect antibodies that indicate the presence of the bacteria.⁴⁶

Treatment

Treatment typically involves the antibiotics streptomycin, gentamicin, and tetracycline.⁴⁶ In dogs, early treatment is essential to prevent death, and some dogs may require prolonged treatment, depending on the severity of the infection.⁴⁴

References