Tick‐Borne Relapsing Fever in Dogs

Background In the United States, Tick‐Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) in dogs is caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia turicatae and Borrelia hermsii, transmitted by Ornithodoros spp. ticks. The hallmark diagnostic feature of this infection is the visualization of numerous spirochetes during stand...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of veterinary internal medicine 2016-07, Vol.30 (4), p.1222-1228
Main Authors: Piccione, J., Levine, G.J., Duff, C.A., Kuhlman, G.M., Scott, K.D., Esteve‐Gassent, M.D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use
Bacteremia
Borrelia
Borrelia Infections - diagnosis
Borrelia Infections - drug therapy
Borrelia Infections - veterinary
Case Report
Diagnosis, Differential
Dog Diseases - diagnosis
Dog Diseases - drug therapy
Dogs
Female
Male
Relapsing Fever - diagnosis
Relapsing Fever - drug therapy
Relapsing Fever - veterinary
SMALL ANIMAL
Spirochete
Spirochetemia
Thrombocytopenia
Ticks - microbiology
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Summary:Background In the United States, Tick‐Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) in dogs is caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia turicatae and Borrelia hermsii, transmitted by Ornithodoros spp. ticks. The hallmark diagnostic feature of this infection is the visualization of numerous spirochetes during standard blood smear examination. Although the course of spirochetemia has not been fully characterized in dogs, in humans infected with TBRF the episodes of spirochetemia and fever are intermittent. Objectives To describe TBRF in dogs by providing additional case reports and reviewing the disease in veterinary and human medicine. Animals Five cases of privately‐owned dogs naturally infected with TBRF in Texas are reviewed. Methods Case series and literature review. Results All dogs were examined because of lethargy, inappetence, and pyrexia. Two dogs also had signs of neurologic disease. All dogs had thrombocytopenia and spirochetemia. All cases were administered tetracyclines orally. Platelet numbers improved and spirochetemia and pyrexia resolved in 4 out of 5 dogs, where follow‐up information was available. Conclusion and Clinical Importance TBRF is likely underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. In areas endemic to Ornithodoros spp. ticks, TBRF should be considered in dogs with thrombocytopenia. Examination of standard blood smears can provide a rapid and specific diagnosis of TBRF when spirochetes are observed.
ISSN:0891-6640
1939-1676
DOI:10.1111/jvim.14363