Zoonotics 1: Tackling ‘Tick Borne Diseases’ – Kayce Cover

Vocabulary: Empower yourself by knowing the language of the problem. Zoonotic: disease transmissible between humans and animals Spirochete (spirochaete): a bacteria which has a spiral form, such as most of the tick borne disease bacteria IFA: Immunoflourescent Antibody (assay) PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction, http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/PCR Assay: Count RMSF: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a spirochete disease, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. I have had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, twice. I found it hard to even get a test to confirm this, even though I had unique symptoms of this disease. When I was tested via IFA, RMSF was confirmed. Without treatment, there is a 20% mortality rate. A lady my age who lived nearby, died from this, at the same time I was ill. Fortunately, I was able to nurse myself through the acute phase. I was discussing this ‘flu’ with a friend who is a vet, and she recognized the RMSF and urged me to follow up with a physician. I was dismayed to find it was difficult to even get tested, however, the MD did give me an 11 day course of Doxycycline, and I did improve. In the meantime, I attempted to follow up with an infectious disease specialist. It was very difficult for me to get an appointment. In July, many of my symptoms returned. (along with a different kind of bug bite – more on that later). I got an infectious disease appointment for the end of November. That doctor required the test, and then my general physician did test me and I was positive. I know of 4 other people in my area (SE Virginia) with RMSF, and three got it in April. If you suspect you may have a similar problem, my check sheets may help you get started on treatment. This is the first in a series. Check Sheet 1 Why do you think you might have a tick borne disease? You found a tick embedded on you (forget about how long it was in, if it is starting to feed on you, he is suspect; in my area 95% of the ticks carry at least one zoonotic disease, according to UNC researchers. You had a bull’s eye rash (many don’t have this, I did not, either time, and mosquito bites can cause it also) You have other symptoms: http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/symptoms.html Note and record, for your physician Location where you live, or where you got the tick The tick (photograph and save in a zip lock baggie in the freezer if possible) Your symptoms. Try getting a test (IFA or PCR) through your general physician. It may help if you can state why you suspect a tick borne disease. For example, “I had a high fever, convulsive shivers with involuntary vocalization

s, and cellulitis – which is consistent with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.” It can help if you have a good relationship with your MD. When I could not get a test this way, I scheduled an appointment with an infectious disease specialist at a teaching hospital. They required me to have a test prior to my appointment. I went back to the general MD and was then given the test. It was positive. Start researching CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/resources/tickbornediseases.pdf AKC: http://www.akcchf.org/educational-resources/podcasts/tick-borne-diseases.html http://www.akcchf.org/educational-resources/podcasts/research-update-ehrlichiosis.html http://www.akcchf.org/educational-resources/podcasts/parasite-control-in-dogs.html Merk Manual: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/rickettsial-and-related-infections/overview-of-rickettsial-infections Coming soon: Ways to decrease the ticks on your property and repel them on your person Search this Site Search for: Cart Search Syn Alia Search for: Explore our Blog Explore our Blog Select Category About SATS animal right animal welfare animal rights and animal welfare Animal well being and welfare Announcements and NEWS!! Blog Communication Emergency preparedness Event Health Husbandry Kayce’s Chronicles Legislation thinking Training Training training Member Login Log in Entries feed Comments feed WordPress.org Events August 2016 M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 « Jul Sep »