Health Issues


External Parasites & Diseases They Transmit



Aaron C. Rainer, D.V.M., M.P.H.
East Lake Veterinary Clinic
Killeen, TX
http://www.eastlakevet.org
Mosquitoes are arguably the most talked about insect discussed today in regards to the diseases they carry. Two of these diseases that are important when a mosquito bites are heartworm disease and West Nile virus. Heartworm disease is very prevalent in Texas as you can see by the map of diagnosed cases in 2003. It is very prevalent areas in a humid environment like Central Texas because this area provides a good breeding ground for the mosquito. Heartworm disease can cause cardiovascular and respiratory problems in dogs and cats. In dogs, you may see coughing as one of the first indicators of infection. Heartworm infection can be devastating and eventually lead to death without treatment, which can get expensive. Monthly prevention is the key to controlling heartworm disease and is relatively low cost.

West Nile Virus has been in the news recently several new cases of human infection have been diagnosed. In Texas this year, twenty-one cases of the severe form of West Nile virus (West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease) have been confirmed in people. Eight people were from Harris County, five from Dallas County, four cases from McLennan County, one from Lubbock County, one from Denton County, one from Jefferson County, and one from Angelina County. There are a relatively low number of West Nile virus cases that have been diagnosed in the world in either dogs or cats. Experimentally infected dogs, however, have not exhibited any outward signs of infection. There is no specific vaccine or treatment available for infected dogs or cats, and symptomatic treatment is usually the goal.

Flea


Fleas & Ticks are another nuisance that can transmit agents to your pet. The pets usually show signs of gastrointestinal compromise. Have you ever seen your dog scooting its hind end on the floor? Or, you may have noticed that your pet has what appears to be white rice hanging in the rectal region, and you know it wasn’t fed rice. Well, these rice grain appearing things are segments from an intestinal tapeworm infestation, and those segments contain many eggs. Fleas can transmit tapeworms to your pet when the pet eats the flea. Ticks can transmit significant disease as well. One of which, called Ehrlichosis, is transmitted by ticks and can destroy the body’s blood cells. More tick-borne diseases are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease, and Babesiosis. Flea & tick prevention is essential in controlling these diseases.

Sarcoptic Mite


A microscopic bug that can cause a whopping rash and irritation in pets and humans is called the Sarcoptic mite, the condition otherwise known as Scabies, and it can cause intense itching and redness in affected areas. Redness and loss of hair usually develops beginning with the dogs ears and progresses to the elbows, hocks, and then underbelly. Consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment if your pet exhibits similar signs.

Kissing Bug


Lastly, I’d like to mention a common insect in this area that can be found around wood piles or heavily wooded areas. The Kissing Bug or Assassin Bug transmits a particular protozoan parasite called Trypanozoma cruzi, and causes a condition known as Chagas Disease. Where this disease is not diagnosed often, it can cause significant cardiovascular and neurological abnormalities in both pets and humans. The organism is transmitted in the bug’s feces. If you are bitten by one of these bugs and are concerned, consult your physician. If your dog is bitten, consult your veterinarian.



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