Those darn ticks!

[jf501]

Although this article doesn't include statistics in Arkansas we know we have the same problems.

Be carefull when working outside or when in the woods and use repellents to keep them off you.

Missouri has seen more tick-borne diseases this year
By BILL GRAHAM
The Kansas City Star

Tick-borne diseases and death from them are uncommon, health officials say, but tick numbers may be up regionally this spring because of a mild winter.

In the Kansas City area, the May 11 death of Erin Zinna, 19, is attributed to ehrlichiosis. The illness is caused by a rickettsial organism similar to bacteria. Ehrlichiosis is closely related to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

"It doesn't happen very often," said Gail Hansen, public health veterinarian for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. "But it does make people very concerned when a tick illness kills someone or makes them severely ill."

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has received increased reports of tick-borne diseases this spring, said Howard Pue, public health veterinarian.

Five cases of ehrlichiosis have been reported so far this year in Missouri, similar to numbers in previous years. No long-term trends can be seen in available numbers, Pue said.

Doctors in Missouri reported 35 ehrlichiosis cases in 2001, 67 cases in 2000 and 57 in 1999. Outcomes are not reported.

So far this year, 11 reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have been received in Missouri, compared with a five-year average of two cases a year by mid-May.

Missouri has reported nine cases of Lyme disease this year; in 2001, 37 were reported statewide.

Kansas has no reported cases of the three diseases through April. Last year it reported five ehrlichiosis cases and two cases of Lyme disease.

Hansen and Pue said that over time, there have been deaths in Missouri and Kansas from tick-borne diseases.

All three diseases are treated with similar antibiotics. The symptoms, however, are similar to those of other illnesses, making diagnosis difficult.

In rare cases, for unknown reasons, a patient will not respond to treatment, Hansen said.

Still, a small percentage of ticks carry disease, and outdoor enthusiasts need not give up their pursuits, experts say.

"But people need to be aware that these diseases are out there and take precautions," Pue said.


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[Becky Davis]

About fifteen years ago, my son came down with Rocky Mountain Fever in the late fall. No tick, but tick born from deer blood. The doctor said all he needed to do was get the blood in a hang nail.
It was the last time he went hunting. It wasn't even his kill, he was helping a buddy clean his deer.
It was very very close and pretty scary. So watch out for these little fellers. They can be deadly.

[becsflowers]

Thank you for the mini education on the tick diseases. Is there a web site that goes into detail about the symptoms of the new/other tick diseases? I was recently bit by a tick, and I still have him taped to a paper. Is it necessary to save them just in case one should get sick?

[S. Jones]

I had spotted fever when I was 13 and damn near died. It was no fun at all, had great big sores all over my bod that I still have scares from. Never did find the tick.

[just wondering]

Glad you are alright Steve. You may find that tick elected to office in Washinton, D.C.

[Blue Eyes]

My daughter and I were playing in the front room today and I pulled 2 off of her. Now that I know of these sicknesses, it's kinda creepy!!

[kernicerus]

This is going to sound weird but it has been working for me for years.Whe i wear out the toes on a pair of socks i cut off the tops and pull them onto the tops of the socks i'm wearing.You look a little funny but it beats getting sick.

[becsflowers]

So, Kern, is it the SMELL of the old socks that keeps them off ya, or what?! LOL!!! Just kidding!!! I guess that they get trapped between the layers of socks?

[kernicerus]

I think it's probably a mixture of the 2.I might add that i haven't had a chigger bite in years either.But i might just taste bad.

[karen pryor]

Our cat, Maggie, has been bitten by a "bob cat" tick. She now has "Cytauxzoonosis."

According to the vet, this is new. Maggie has a 30% chance of beating this. It affects cats only.

Maggie is fighting for her life right now. If she makes it thru the next 72 hours she has a good chance at survival.

This illness is showing up more and more around the county. BEWARE. Please make sure you are protecting your kitties from ticks. Tom and I are going thru something I would not wish on anyone. Our Maggie is very, very sick. She might die and there is nothing we can do about it.

Do a search for Cytauxzoonosis. It is bad.

John: I has just talked with the vet when you were at the office yesterday. I'm sorry you had to witness my hysterical outburst.

[This message has been edited by karen pryor (edited 06-05-2002).]

[This message has been edited by karen pryor (edited 06-05-2002).]

[Becky Davis]

I am sorry to hear that Maggie is down. Wish I were there to help take care of her. I hope she has a full recovery.

[jf501]

Sorry to hear about that Karen, I know what you are going through, I had to have one of our dogs put to sleep the other day due to liver failure, they are just like family aren't they. Hope maggie beats the odds!

I see in the Times echo that the City is continuing to speak with Game and Fish about possibilities of a controlled hunt. Deer are the leading carriers of ticks.

I have pulled more ticks off me this year then I can remember, and I eat garlic like it's going out of style, just ask Paul Wilson at ermilio's.

[This message has been edited by jf501 (edited 06-05-2002).]

[sweetness&light]

Oh, Karen, I am so sorry about your baby, Maggie. Good wishes and lit candles for her.

[karen pryor]

Thanks everyone. I've had jobs and friends in the past that did not consider pets "immediate family." Poor them. It's nice to be around folks that know how important they are.

We went to visit Maggie this morning. There is no change, which is good, she's not getting worse. Her fever is still really high and they are working on that today.
She really did act like she knew we were there. She is still jaundiced and has her IVs.

Some interesting news...since yesterday, another cat has survived its 72 hour "try to make it" stage. Now two cats have beat this. We're hoping for three.

Thanks again ya'll for the phone calls and emails and good thoughts. Maggie is the first cat we've ever had and she turned out to be a pretty cool little girl. We aren't ready to give her up. 24 hours down and 48 to go.

John, so sorry about your dog. We can't watch them suffer and it's so very hard to know if there is just one more thing to try. I have a new respect for Vets after this experience.

[This message has been edited by karen pryor (edited 06-05-2002).]

[karen pryor]

Well, everyone seems to be calling and emailing about Maggie's condition. She'll be happy to hear she has so many fans out there! Thanks everyone (again) for your concern.

I talked with the vet about 1:00 and guess what???? Maggie is EATING!!!! Yes, she is still very sick, but she's hungry and I think that is great news.

[Becky Davis]

Always a good sign. Way to go, Maggie.

[becsflowers]

Prayers for your kitty, sweet one!

[Becky Davis]

How is Maggie today?

[White Bread]

Karen,

I lost Maggie's twin a few months ago. Very sad. Thinking of ya'll today.

[karen pryor]

Well, after all the encouraging news yesterday, we really thought the worst was behind us. We let our hopes get too high.

Maggie had a relapse during the night. Her fever is a concern, only in the other direction. It's way below normal and they have her on a heating pad. She cried some. The vet said she was having "some" pain.

We don't think she knew we were there this morning.

The vet told us that the two surviving cats got worse than this and about the time they decided to put them down, they rebounded.

Actually, we were told "three days." This is the third day so many this is the "she'll get worse before she gets better" part.

It's just so damn hard to see her this way. To see ANY pet this way. The vet told us not to give up yet and to trust them to do their job. That's what we're going with.

I hate to hear Maggie lost her twin, Whitebread. I hope the rest of your babies are fine.

I can't see Tom and me without pets. At the same time, we get so attached to them it makes me wonder how much I can take.

I can't tell you how it warms my heart to get all of your notes and phone calls. We love you people and are so glad we live here.

I do have to say the doctors and staff at the Berryville Pet Clinic have gone beyond the call of duty with us. They are kind and compassionate. They have been honest and supportive. They are great people and we so appreaciate everything they are doing.

And my friends here at work. What a terrific group of women. I'm crying again, so that's all for now.

[This message has been edited by karen pryor (edited 06-06-2002).]

[kernicerus]

This sounds exactly what my cat jadalyn went through.I don't remember the name though but i'm pretty sure it's the same thing.I don't know if it'll make you feel any better or not but she had a full recovery.She was a little slow for a month or so,and i thought she'd have a lame leg but it got back to normal after a couple of months.Now she's a terror to all mice in her path again.I'm very sorry for you and you're cat,i know exactly the kind of wait you're going through.I really hope she comes through it.Best of luck,and you know both of us are pulling for her.

[karen pryor]

Maggie died about 1:30 yesterday afternoon.

She fought really hard, but was just too sick.

Can anyone tell me just one redeming quality of the tick??? That HAS to be a reason they were on the Ark.

Thanks again everyone. We've had a tough week to say the least.

[sweetness&light]

Oh Karen, I am so very sorry for you and Tom. I know of zero redeeming qualities for ticks and one or two other things I can think of. I know it's too early yet to discuss getting another sweet pea, but pets bring so much joy in our lives. I suppose it is a reason for their deaths---although I've never thought it necessary---as a reminder of how much they loved us.

[CyberPsychDoc]

Karen, you and Tom have my utmost sympathies. Words are never adequate when someone loses a family member or any other loved one so I know no matter what any of us say, it may comfort, but it will never be enough.

I suppose you could blow up some pictures of the nasty beasties and put them on a dart board and have at it, just to release some pent up frustration and grief.

Or perhaps you could talk to Tony Pike and make a donation to have some kitty's vaccinated against Lyme Disease at the shelter. That might help on a different level.

No matter what, I'm sure that Maggie is happy now and out of pain, and she knows she was very loved while on Earth.

Warmly,
CPD

[karen pryor]

A friend just sent me this excellent website regarding the bob cat tick. I encourage everyone that has outdoor cats to read.
http://www.projecthelios.org/

[savilatea]

I know how you feel, I have had cats all my life. A couple months ago My new kitten got out and was run over. I now have a 9 weeks old siamese mix that brings me lots of joy just have to teach him to stay inside.