Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Dogs

Ticks are a blood sucking parasite found globally year round. The bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in dogs is transmitted by ticks. Ticks can transmit the bacteria to humans and dogs, and RMSF can become life threatening in humans.

If a dog is diagnosed with RMSF, people exposed to similar environments as the dog may be advised to consult with their physician. Approximately 250 to 1200 human cases of RMSF are reported each year.

Dogs with fever, lethargy, joint and muscle pain, tremors, and vomiting require veterinary care as soon as possible. Approximately 1-10% of dogs diagnosed with RMSF die despite treatment.

Left untreated, RMSF increases in severity and ultimately becomes fatal.

RMSF is very rare. Dogs in endemic areas are at some risk of becoming infected. RMSF is most prevalent in the south Atlantic and south-central United States. Outdoor and rural dogs are at the highest risk of exposure. Approximately 1-3% of ticks in endemic areas test positive for the bacteria associated with the disease. RMSF is a very rare disease of no concern to pet parents outside of endemic areas.

Severe symptoms of RMSF are linked to bacterial damage to the cells lining blood vessels.

Symptoms include

• Pinpoint, red spots on the gums and mucous membranes
• Hemorrhage within the eye
• Prolonged bleeding
• Bruising on the abdomen or legs

In some cases, RMSF leads to swelling of the brain.

All of these severe symptoms require immediate veterinary attention.

Rickettsia rickettsii is the bacteria that causes RMSF and is primarily transmitted by the American dog tick, the Rocky Mountain wood tick, and the brown dog tick.

Ticks feed on an infected host, then transfer the bacteria while feeding on a new host. Body fluids from ticks can also transmit disease. It is estimated that it takes 5-20 hours of tick attachment for the bacteria to transmit to a host.

Dogs develop symptoms of RMSF within 3-14 days of an infected tick bite.

Diagnosis is confirmed via blood test. General blood work is usually recommended to inform treatment as well as specific testing to confirm RMSF.

RMSF is treated using antibiotics. In some cases steroids are also indicated. Most dogs diagnosed early in the course of the disease respond rapidly to treatment, with energy and appetite returning within days. Completion of the full antibiotic protocol is required, even if the dog is feeling better.

Dogs that recover from RMSF are considered immune to future R. rickettsii infections.

Cases with mild symptoms that have appropriate treatment delivered have a good prognosis. Dogs with severe symptoms have a poor prognosis, and about 1-10% of dogs die despite treatment.

RMSF is not directly contagious from one dog to another or to other pets or people. Infection occurs by way of a bite from an infected tick.

There is no vaccine available against R. rickettsii. The best method of prevention is to maintain all dogs on veterinarian-recommended year-round tick control products. These medications reduce the dog’s exposure to ticks and help prevent them from introducing ticks into the home. Note: there are many parasite control products on the market that are neither effective nor safe. Always consult a vet when choosing external parasite control.

Humans living in the same household as a dog diagnosed with RMSF are recommended to consult a physician. Generally speaking, humans are exposed to the same types of ticks as their dogs, so a human living with a dog that tests positive for RMSF may have also been exposed.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is rare in dogs, even in endemic areas.

• Antibiotics
• Steroids