Published: 2:00 AM – 03/23/11

Yesterday my youngest dog, Bibi, came in with the first sign of spring: a tick crawling across the top of her forehead. true, she noses in the absolutely worst places, but the ticks are out, the spring molt has started, and it’s time to think about all the blood-borne, tick-carried diseases that dogs, cats and humans can catch.

Lyme is the big player. Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative organism; its symptoms include fever, joint pain and lameness. in years of a bumper crop of acorns, where mice and deer are well-fed, Lyme disease tends to have a heavier incidence. This spring will have an abundant 25-year acorn crop; you can imagine what this portends.

Tick prevention is key locally; Revolution, Frontline and PrevenTic collars are excellent products for this purpose. Remember, if your dog sleeps in your bed, she must be adequately protected for you to be adequately protected.

Lyme vaccines are recommended as well; ask your veterinarian about this effective immunization. But vaccines are not a substitute for preventive products.

Other diseases that we see commonly carried by ticks are ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis. the first is similar in effect to Lyme, although other signs can include clotting disorders and a tendency to bleed abnormally. This disease can have fatal consequences; see your vet if your dog comes down with lameness, fever or any signs of blood in urine or stool.

Ticks tend to be very active in late winter and early spring, with numbers decreasing as the year progresses.

Prevention is your pet’s best friend, and starting today.

Dr. Ellen Friedman is in general practice, with an interest in geriatric feline medicine, at Newburgh Veterinary Hospital and all Creatures Veterinary Hospital in new Paltz. Visit facebook.com/people/Newburgh-VeterinaryHospital/576787764.

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