Tick bacteria targets pit bull terriers

[windycitymindy]

Our vet mentioned a bacteria called Babesia that ticks transmit. It targets racing greyhounds and pit bull terriers.

Here's the article we were given:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Conten ... C=0&A=1655
"At least 50% of patients will require bloood transfusions."
"A tick must feed for 2 to 3 days to infect a dog witht Babesia."

We'll be checking the dogs nightly on our upcoming trip to Florida.

[windycitymindy]

Here's the first Babesia thread, I was originally searching Babesis.

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=143808&start=15&hilit=babesia

[pblove]

yes we have had a few dogs on the forum with babesiosis. I bet there have been even more with tick diseases and not diagnosed because most vets use the in house test which is not as accurte as it needs to be

[windycitymindy]

Thanks for the heads up on the test PBLOVE <3

[jtalt7]

Its definitely a tick borne issue but there is also a ton of evidence supporting transmission through dog fights. That is why it is in the greyhound and APBT population. They are not necessarily more susceptible, just more likely to be put in a position to contract it from dog bites.

It is more prevalent in the southern states in the tick populations.

There are TONS of tick illnesses that are deadly. Unfortunately there is only one dog in my house that doesnt have at least one tick disease