Ticks

Blacklegged ticks, also know as deer ticks, are the main transmitters of anaplasmosis and Lyme disease. London is considered a high-risk area for deer ticks and lyme disease.  Lyme disease presents differently in dogs than in humans, the most common signs we see are joint pain, fever, and lameness. If illness occurs, it is usually not seen for weeks or even months after infection with the disease. If left untreated, it can lead to damage in the kidneys, nervous system, and heart. The idea behind yearly lyme disease testing is to identify infected dogs that are otherwise healthy and then screen them for adequate kidney function. The process of transmitting lyme from tick to host requires a minimum of 48 hours, meaning if the tick is killed or removed within 48 hours of attachment, the disease will not be transmitted. Tick control for dogs is an effective means of preventing infection and is crucial in Lyme-endemic areas.

Anaplasmosis is an infectious organism that enters the bloodstream and attacks the white blood cells. This causes inflammation throughout the entire body. Symptoms include poor appetite, fever, stiff or painful joints, difficulty walking, and occasionally may have signs associated with bleeding such as a bloody nose, dark bloody stool, and bruising.