Beware biliary outbreak in pets

An eight legged vampire known formally as rhipicephalus sanguineus (aka red tick) is thriving on the North Coast, threatening your pets.

The SPCA has raised the alarm regarding the high rate of biliary, a tick borne disease, and feel that people need to be educated about the disease.

Dr Louis Gouws from the Ballito Vet stated that he had recently seen many cases of biliary, especially in cats, and that a few unusual types of biliary had made an appearance.

Dr Kerri Sachs, also from the Ballito Vet, gives some background information about the disease.

“There are two types of biliary: complicated and uncomplicated biliary,” she said.

Although she said the uncomplicated version is seen more often, there are cases of complicated biliary, meaning the animal can suffer from lung or renal complications.

“Generally, the red tick has to feed for 24 hours before it can cause biliary, which is why modern, veterinary tick medication relies on killing the tick in under 12 hours,” she said.

“Tick control should be implemented throughout the year on a monthly basis, because of our hot, humid climate, where ticks thrive.”

Many people rely on tick powder or dips to protect their pets from biliary, but according to Dr Sachs, they have no holding power, therefore your pet is not properly protected.

“The best is a spot-on product or a tablet, which I prefer, as it cannot be washed off.”

Sachs said that it is important to remember that for each tick you see, there are hundreds that you do not see.

According to the University of Rhode Island’s Tick Encounter Resource Centre in America, a female dog tick can lay up to 4000 eggs and the larvae can survive for six to nine months without feeding.

If you find a tick on your dog, check your dog’s gums and eyelids. If they are a yellowish colour, take your dog to the vet immediately, as it can be fatal if not treated urgently.

Other common symptoms of biliary are that your pet is lethargic, does not want to eat or has a temperature of more than 40.

“Once any of the mentioned symptoms are spotted, the pet needs veterinary attention as soon as possible,” she said.

Megs Tweedie, the SPCA marketing manager said prevention was better than cure.

“To keep your pets and home tick free treat the soil and any concrete in the garden and home where the animal lives. Add coarse salt to the soil as it dehydrates the ticks and use dip on the concrete where the ticks breed. Clean and disinfect their kennels regularly and wash and hang the bedding in the sun to kill the larvae.”

By following these tips, treating your pets regularly with tick and flea medication and by checking your pets’ gums regularly, you should be able to prevent biliary.