How Do I Treat Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Dogs?

Ticks spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which affects dogs and humans throughout the continental United States. According to Doctors Foster and Smith, dogs are most likely to get the disease between April and September, when ticks are active and dogs spend more time outdoors, and treatment may require confirmation of the condition with lab tests.

  1. Symptoms

    • A dog with a mild case may not show signs of illness, but a lab test for the disease's antigens can give results four days after being bitten, according to Doctors Foster and Smith. More severe cases involves symptoms such as fever, muscle pain and swelling (edema) of the face, scrotum or legs. Hemorrhages in the retinas are a common symptom. The disease can be fatal.

    Treatment

    • According to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is treated with antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. Use tetracycline, enrofloxacin or doxycycline. For puppies under six months and pregnant females, use chloramphenicol. Eye hemorrhages and other lesions may require systemic corticosteroid treatment. Doctors Foster and Smith report that dogs suffering severe neurological symptoms may not completely recover, even if they survive.

    Prevention

    • Avoid the disease by inspecting your dog (and yourself) for ticks on a regular basis. Wear gloves when removing ticks since even their contents can spread the disease. Use a prevention program such as monthly applications of a topical tick control medicine or a tick collar containing amitraz. As of 2010, no vaccine against Rocky Mountain spotted fever is available.