Tick-Borne (Rickettsial) Diseases

Question 1

What are Rickettsial diseases?

Answer 1

Bacterial infections carried by arthropods

Question 2

How long does a Lyme-positive tick have to be attached to a horse for in order to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi?

Answer 2

18 hours

Question 3

When should you test your horse for Lyme disease?

Answer 3

4 weeks after the removal of the tick, or at the onset of symptoms (lethargy, inappetence, edema, sensitivity to touch, fever, etc.)

Question 4

What is the treatment for Lyme disease?

Answer 4

Usually a 30-day course of antibiotics

Question 5

When is anaplasmosis usually seen?

Answer 5

Summer and fall

Question 6

What symptoms does anaplasmosis cause?

Answer 6

high, fever, lethargy, and edema

Question 7

What is the treatment for anaplasmosis?

Answer 7

Usually a short course of IV antibiotics and then a longer course of oral antibiotics

Question 8

What is the most effective preventative for Rickettsial diseases?

Answer 8

Topical tick control medications (Spot-on every 2 weeks), and regular tick checks especially during the warmer months