Tularemia in Dogs

What is Tularemia in Dogs?

Tularemia, also known as "rabbit fever" or "deer fly fever," is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. While it primarily affects wild animals like rabbits and rodents, tularemia can also pose a threat to domesticated animals, including dogs. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of tularemia in dogs.

What Are the Symptoms of Tularemia in Dogs?

Tularemia can have different clinical forms in dogs, and symptoms can vary depending on the route of exposure and the strain of the bacteria involved. Common symptoms of tularemia in dogs may include:

• Fever: A high fever is a typical sign of tularemia.
• Lethargy: Dogs with tularemia often appear weak and lethargic.
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes, especially around the head and neck, are a common finding in tularemia.
• Loss of Appetite: Affected dogs may lose their appetite and refuse to eat.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can occur due to fever and reduced water intake.
• Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss is a common symptom in tularemia.
• Ocular Symptoms: In some cases, tularemia can cause conjunctivitis (eye inflammation), discharge from the eyes, and even corneal ulcers.
• Respiratory Signs: If the respiratory form of tularemia is present, dogs may exhibit coughing, difficulty breathing, or nasal discharge.
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Ingesting contaminated food or water may result in gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea.
• Joint Pain: Joint pain and lameness may occur, especially in the ulceroglandular form of tularemia.
• Skin Lesions: Some dogs with tularemia develop skin lesions or abscesses.

What is the First Symptom of Tularemia in Dogs?

The first symptom of tularemia in dogs can vary, but it often presents as a sudden onset of fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. 

Causes of Tularemia in Dogs

Dogs can contract tularemia through various means, and the disease can manifest in several forms. Here are some of the common causes and ways dogs can acquire tularemia:

• Contact with infected animals, such as wild rodents, rabbits, hares, and other small mammals. 
• Tularemia can also be transmitted to dogs through the bites of infected ticks, deer flies, and other blood-feeding insects. 
• Ingestion of contaminated water or contact with Contaminated Soil or Water particularly if they have open wounds or mucous membranes that can serve as entry points for the bacteria.
• Ingestion of infected prey
• Although less common, dogs can become infected by inhaling airborne bacteria, especially in areas where tularemia is prevalent. 

Can Dogs Get Sick From Rabbit Poop?

Dogs can get sick from rabbit poop, as mentioned earlier, rabbits are known carriers of Francisella tularensis, the bacterium responsible for tularemia. If a dog ingests or comes into contact with rabbit feces that contain this bacterium, it can lead to tularemia infection.

Is Tularemia Fatal in Dogs?

Tularemia in dogs can present in various forms, including ulceroglandular, glandular, oculoglandular, oropharyngeal, and respiratory. In mild cases of tularemia, dogs may recover with appropriate treatment, and the prognosis can be relatively good. However, in severe cases or if left untreated, tularemia can lead to serious complications and may be fatal. For example, respiratory tularemia can be particularly severe and potentially life-threatening.

How to Treat Tularemia in Dogs

The first step in treating tularemia is obtaining a definitive diagnosis. This involves a thorough physical examination by a veterinarian and may include blood tests, serology, and other diagnostic procedures. A presumptive diagnosis may also be based on clinical signs and a history of potential exposure to the bacterium (e.g., contact with infected animals or habitats).

If tularemia is suspected, it's important to isolate the infected dog to prevent the potential spread of the disease to other animals and humans. Tularemia can be zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans.

The treatment of tularemia in dogs primarily involves the use of antibiotics to target the underlying bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. In addition to antibiotics, supportive care may be necessary to manage symptoms and aid in the dog's recovery. Here's an overview of the treatment approach for tularemia in dogs:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for tularemia in dogs. The specific antibiotic chosen may depend on the form and severity of the disease. Commonly used antibiotics for treating tularemia in dogs include streptomycin, gentamicin, tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline), and fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin). The course of antibiotic treatment typically lasts for a prescribed duration, and it's crucial to complete the entire course as directed by the veterinarian, even if the dog's symptoms improve before completion.

Treatments for cold and cough, inflammation and bacterial infection Long-lasting efficacy Ingredients Doxycycline HCl

Supportive Care

Supportive care may be necessary to manage symptoms and complications associated with tularemia. This can include fluid therapy to maintain hydration, pain management, and nutritional support if the dog is not eating well.

• Fever: If the dog has a high fever, fever-reducing medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to lower the body temperature and make the dog more comfortable.
• Ocular Symptoms: Eye symptoms may require the use of eye drops or ointments to alleviate discomfort and treat conditions such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers.
• Respiratory Signs: In cases of the respiratory form of tularemia, antibiotics are crucial for treating the underlying infection. Supportive care may include medications to ease coughing and help with breathing.
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea can be managed symptomatically. Ensuring access to clean water is essential to prevent dehydration.
• Joint Pain: Dogs experiencing joint pain and lameness may benefit from pain management (e.g., meloxicam), which can include pain medications and joint supplements (e.g., glucosamine chondroitin). 
• Skin Lesions: Skin lesions or abscesses may require topical antibacterial treatments and wound care. Keeping the affected area clean and free of infection is important for healing. (e.g., antibacterial spray for dogs)

How Do You Prevent Tularemia in Dogs?

Preventing tularemia in dogs involves a combination of strategies to minimize their risk of exposure to the causative bacterium, Francisella tularensis, and to detect and address any potential infections early. Here are some key measures to help prevent tularemia in dogs:

Tick and Insect Control

• Use tick prevention products recommended by your veterinarian to reduce the risk of tick-borne transmission of tularemia.
• Protect your dog from insect bites by using insect repellents and avoiding areas where deer flies and other blood-feeding insects are prevalent.
• After outdoor activities, perform regular tick checks on your dog, paying close attention to areas where ticks are commonly found, such as the ears, neck, and between the toes.

Here are some of the common active ingredients found in dog tick repellents:

• Fipronil
• Permethrin
• Imidacloprid
• Selamectin

Avoid Contact with Wildlife

Discourage your dog from hunting or chasing wild animals, such as rabbits and rodents, which can carry the bacterium.
Keep your dog on a leash in areas where wildlife is abundant to prevent direct contact.

Proper Waste Cleanup

Promptly remove any wildlife carcasses or dead animals from your property to reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid touching or handling dead animals without protective gloves.

Regular Veterinary Care

Ensure that your dog receives routine veterinary check-ups, including vaccinations and parasite control.
Discuss with your veterinarian the prevalence of tularemia in your region and any additional preventive measures that may be appropriate.

FAQs

Can a recovered dog be reinfected with Tularemia (rabbit fever)?

While it's true that dogs that have recovered from tularemia typically develop lasting immunity to the specific strain of Francisella tularensis that caused their initial infection, it's important to note that tularemia is caused by several different subspecies of the bacterium, and immunity may not provide protection against all of them. Therefore, it is possible for a recovered dog to become infected with a different strain of Francisella tularensis or to encounter other sources of the bacterium and develop a new infection.

Is there a specific Tularemia (rabbit fever) vaccine for dogs?

Tularemia is relatively rare in dogs, and the disease is not a routine vaccination target like more common canine diseases.

Conclusion

Tularemia is a serious bacterial infection that can affect dogs, posing health risks to both pets and their owners. Awareness of the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of tularemia is essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of dogs and the people who care for them. If you suspect your dog may have tularemia, seek immediate veterinary attention to ensure a swift and successful recovery.