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Tick-borne Encephalitis TBE (Viral Infection Caused by the TBE Virus) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Head/Neck

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection caused by the TBE virus that affects the central nervous system of dogs and can lead to inflammatory conditions of the brain and meninges.

The most important facts at a glance

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection caused by the TBE virus and is mainly transmitted through tick bites. The Ixodes ricinus tick is the main vector in Central Europe. In dogs, the infection usually occurs in spring and summer when ticks are active. After transmission, the virus can affect the central nervous system and cause inflammatory conditions in the brain and meninges, leading to neurological symptoms. Common symptoms are fever, pain, and neurological abnormalities such as seizures and gait instability. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, medical history, and specific laboratory tests such as the detection of antibodies in the blood serum.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for TBE in dogs. Therapy focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting bodily functions, often with anti-inflammatory drugs and anticonvulsants. The prognosis varies depending on the severity of the infection, with early diagnosis improving the chances of recovery. Preventive measures such as avoiding tick bites are crucial, as there is currently no approved vaccination for dogs. Regular veterinary check-ups and good tick prophylaxis are important to minimize the risk of infection.

Causes

Tick-borne encephalitis is caused by the TBE virus, which belongs to the genus Flavivirus. This virus is mainly transmitted through tick bites, with the Ixodes ricinus tick being the main vector in Central Europe.

The TBE virus can infect both animals and humans. In dogs, the infection typically occurs in spring and summer when ticks are most active. The virus can overwinter in the salivary glands of the tick and is transmitted to the host when it sucks blood.

After transmission, the virus spreads through the bloodstream in the body and can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to inflammatory conditions in the brain and meninges. These inflammatory conditions are the cause of the neurological symptoms observed in infected dogs.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

Uncoordinated Gait (Ataxia)

The symptoms of a TBE infection in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual response of the dog. Typical symptoms are fever, apathy, and loss of appetite. These non-specific signs can easily be confused with other diseases.

Neurological symptoms are also common and can include convulsions, tremors, gait disorders, and behavioral changes. Some dogs also show signs of paralysis, which is often noticeable in the hind legs.

In severe cases, there may be a severe impairment of brain function, which can manifest as changes in consciousness, disorientation, or even coma. These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of TBE in dogs is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, medical history, and specific laboratory tests. Since the symptoms of TBE are non-specific, it is important to rule out other causes of neurological diseases.

An important diagnostic test is the detection of antibodies against the TBE virus in the dog’s blood serum. These antibodies can be detected with serological tests such as ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). A positive result indicates an infection but must be interpreted in the context of the clinical symptoms.

In some cases, a cerebrospinal fluid examination (examination of the cerebrospinal fluid) can be performed to detect signs of inflammation. Imaging techniques such as MRI or CT can help to detect structural changes in the brain.

Therapy

There is no specific antiviral treatment for TBE in dogs, so therapy focuses on alleviating symptoms and supporting bodily functions. Treatment usually takes place on an inpatient basis at a veterinary hospital.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids can be used to reduce the inflammatory response in the brain. Convulsions are treated with anticonvulsants to minimize the risk of further seizures.

In addition, supportive care may be required, including intravenous fluid administration to maintain fluid balance and electrolyte balance. Pain relievers and medications to support cardiovascular function may also be required.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with TBE varies depending on the severity of the infection and the response to treatment. In mild cases, the dog can recover completely, while in severe cases neurological damage may remain or the disease can be fatal.

Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the prognosis. Dogs that respond quickly to treatment have a better chance of recovering completely. However, long-term neurological deficits may persist in some dogs.

Prevention

The best prevention against TBE in dogs is to avoid tick bites. This can be achieved by using tick repellents and regularly checking the dog for ticks, especially after walks in wooded areas.

There is currently no approved vaccination against TBE for dogs. Therefore, dog owners should be particularly vigilant to minimize the risk of infection. Regular veterinary check-ups and good tick prophylaxis are crucial.

For more information on TBE in dogs, you can visit the Nobivac TBE Factsheet, which provides comprehensive information about the disease.

Outlook on current research

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infection caused by the TBE virus, which is mainly transmitted through tick bites. While this disease is well documented in humans, research on TBE in dogs is still in its early stages. Previous studies suggest that while dogs can become infected, they are less likely to show clinical symptoms than humans. One reason for this could be the immune system of dogs, which may react differently to the virus.

Current research projects focus on better understanding the pathogenesis of TBE in dogs. Scientists are investigating how the virus affects the central nervous system of dogs and what factors could increase susceptibility in them. A better understanding of the immune response of dogs to the TBE virus could also help to develop new therapeutic approaches.

Another area of research is the development of vaccines for dogs. While vaccines already exist for humans, these are not yet available for dogs. Researchers are working to develop a safe and effective vaccine specifically for dogs to provide better protection against TBE.

There are also studies that deal with the spread of the TBE virus in different regions. These epidemiological investigations help to determine where dogs are at higher risk and thus support the development of preventive measures. Tick monitoring and mapping of risk areas are crucial to inform both veterinarians and dog owners about the dangers and to develop protection strategies.

In summary, research on TBE in dogs is a dynamic and growing field. There is an urgent need for further studies to better understand the risk to dogs and to develop effective prevention strategies. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches, scientists hope to make significant progress in the near future.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in dogs? TBE is a viral disease caused by the TBE virus and is mainly transmitted through tick bites. In dogs, it can affect the central nervous system and lead to neurological symptoms.
Can dogs get TBE? Yes, dogs can become infected with the TBE virus. However, they are less likely to show clinical symptoms than humans. If symptoms do occur, they can be neurological in nature, such as lethargy, fever, and in severe cases convulsions.
How is TBE diagnosed in dogs? The diagnosis of TBE in dogs is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, the medical history, and special laboratory tests that can detect the TBE virus in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
Is there a treatment for TBE in dogs? There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for TBE in dogs. Therapy focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the animal while the immune system fights the virus. In severe cases, intensive care may be required.
How can I protect my dog from TBE? To protect your dog from TBE, you should avoid tick bites. This includes regularly checking the coat for ticks, using tick repellents, and avoiding walks in known tick areas during the peak season.
Can I have my dog vaccinated against TBE? There is currently no approved vaccine against TBE for dogs. However, research is underway to develop a vaccine that may be available in the future.
Which regions are particularly risky for TBE in dogs? TBE is endemic in certain regions of Europe and Asia. Areas with a high tick population and known cases of TBE in humans are also risky for dogs.
Can humans be infected by infected dogs? Humans cannot be directly infected by dogs. The main source of transmission for humans is tick bites. However, it is important to treat infected dogs to protect their health.
What symptoms should I watch for in my dog? Symptoms of a TBE infection in dogs can include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, restlessness, convulsions, or behavioral changes. If you suspect TBE, you should seek veterinary attention immediately.
What should I do if I find a tick on my dog? Remove the tick as soon as possible with a special tick remover. Be careful not to leave the tick’s head in the dog. Disinfect the area and watch your dog for symptoms. If you have any concerns, consult a veterinarian.