THE BATTLE IS RAMPING UP IN MONTANA DOGS VS. BUGS Tick-borne diseases aren’t typically a problem in Montana. If we see a dog with Lyme disease, they relocated here from another part of the country. And despite the name, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) rarely comes up; the name comes from the lab where scientists discovered it.
BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GUINEA PIG KIWI
Kiwi
Cookie
Kiwi and Mom
I live at home with Mom on the weekends and during the summers. It’s a pretty full house with four dogs. Luna is a sweetheart, and Jackson is a big lovebug. Harley and Sadie are another story. Mom says rat terriers and rodents don’t usually mix. Sometimes, Harley still looks like he wants to eat me, but he accepts that I’m family, not food. One of my favorite things is when Mom cleans my cage. She washes my feet at the same time, and I love to cuddle up against her neck. But the thing I love most of all is carrots. I squeak and squeak until Mom gives me some, then I put them on top of my cave to eat. I’m also a big fan of lettuce and hay. I think any food is good food. When I’m feeling silly, I turn my cave upside down and sit in it like a boat. I also like to ring my bell over and over. I always want to know what’s happening, so I watch from my cage and make sure I don’t
But times are changing. We also haven’t had heartworm problems in the past, but cases are starting to crop up. Heartworm was practically nonexistent in Oregon and Washington but is now becoming endemic. It could eventually happen here, and it’s unclear what the future holds for tick-borne diseases in our area.
kson
So, the Animal Clinic of Kalispell has begun to change our protocols. We now have a new test for heartworm and several tick-borne diseases. Rare though they might be now, they’re nasty conditions. Ehrlichia can cause bleeding and
miss anything important.
The kids are some of my best friends, so I can’t wait to go back to school. I hope they’re looking forward to all of the excitement as much as I am. I think we’ll learn a lot together!
neurological problems, and anaplasmosis creates flu- like symptoms. Lyme disease is incredibly debilitating, and RMSF and heartworm can be deadly. Conducting regular screenings for these conditions will give our clients peace of mind and help their pets live longer, healthier lives. We also have and will continue to push flea and tick prevention. Fleas are unpleasant and uncomfortable and can spread from your pet to your home. Meanwhile, tick-borne diseases aren’t common here, but that doesn’t mean they can’t cause problems. Some dogs are allergic to tick saliva and develop tick paralysis. It clears up quickly with treatment but can be fatal if left untreated. We recommend everyone keep their dogs on flea and tick prevention from April through October if they stay in the area and year-round if their pets are outside or they’re snowbirds or travel a lot. Heartworm prevention is also essential for those spending time out of state. Someday, it may be routine for dogs here, too — only time will tell.
kers
Inspired by ASPCAPetInsurance.com
s are the purrfect treat for them! With only four simple (and our feline friend with the satisfying crunch and intense
Ingredients
• •
6 oz undrained tuna
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1 cup flour
In the meantime, we’ll continue doing routine screenings to treat any problems that crop up. And if you notice your dog has a fever, swelling lymph nodes, or neurological issues, bring them in as soon as possible. Whether or not the symptoms are a sign of one of these diseases, it could save their life.
1 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup water
Directions
1. 2.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
In a bowl, mix ingredients together until combined.
3. On a flat surface, roll dough into 1/4-inch diameter balls. 4. On a greased cookie sheet, place the dough balls and bake for 20 minutes. 5. Let cool and invite your cat to dig in!
– Dr. Jevon Clark
406.755.6886
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