Not long ago, it was fairly rare to hear of someone being bitten by a black legged (deer) tick. Although we had dog ticks and others, the black legged tick is known as the one that can carry pathogens like Borrelia, which can cause Lyme disease. Because of this, we went through a particularly awkward time where people who had been bitten by these ticks were dismissed or undertreated by their clinicians. It was similar to the gaslighting of people who suffered with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue before those conditions were fully recognized. Fortunately, this mindset is changing. Now, we sometimes hear of children being bitten in their urban backyards.
I will not go through the history of ticks, their movement into our local area or the discovery of Lyme disease. I have read so many conflicting opinions that I do not feel I could do this part of the story justice. For this discussion I'd rather focus on clinical action steps; they are here - now what do we do about it.
So, you've found a tick
Ticks can be very tiny (the size of a poppy seed), or up to 1cm in size, so you may not see them until they are fully engorged if you even notice them at all. They tend to feed for a few days (or up to 7) and then release. The concern being, while they are latched on they can transmit the pathogens they might be carrying. Some used to think it would take 24 hours for a tick to transmit infection, but we now know this isn't the case. Therefore, the sooner you can remove the tick, the better.
Dr Jill Crista, ND from the United States has a large clinical focus on Lyme Disease. She shares this helpful video to help you navigate removing a tick.
How to Remove a Tick Video
There's also an argument for covering the bite with a poultice of charcoal or bentonite clay to draw things out. Not all Lyme experts agree that this approach is worthwhile, but it could be an option.
Sending the Tick for Testing
It used to be that ticks were automatically sent to Public Health for testing. I'm not always hearing that is occurring, or when it has happened the results took months to receive. Time is crucial when it comes to stopping the progression from bite to disease, so many will opt for private lab testing.
This is an option: www.genetick.ca
If a tick is found on your pet, your Veterinarian can help you with testing.
Treatment
Again, this is a controversial topic, with some people opting to wait for the presence of a Bull's Eye rash or test results, and others wanting to start on antibiotics right away. Individual practitioners will even prescribe the antibiotics differently: types like amoxicillin or doxycycline, or durations varying from 3-28 days.
Outside of conventional antibiotics, there are several recommendations from the Naturopathic world as well. A combination of therapies is generally best, and I would generally suggest erring on the side of caution and treating proactively and aggressively.
Symptoms of Infection
These can begin up to 3 weeks later, with signs of fever, swollen lymph nodes and headache. The classic Bull's Eye rash (below) is only present in 10-30% of cases, so if you see it - definitely treat, but if you don't you aren't necessarily in the clear either. Human testing for Borrelia and other coinfections is not the best, which is why testing the tick is great if you can do it.
Despite our best efforts, like wearing long pants in tall grass, you may still have the unfortunate experience of being food for a tick. Knowing the steps to take will help you to stay calm and support the best possible outcome.
You could even keep chickens around, they love to eat ticks!
Hope this helps!
Enjoy the rest of the spring,
Dr Christa
*** This article is for information only, not to be used as medical advice.
Bull's Eye Rash:
I will not go through the history of ticks, their movement into our local area or the discovery of Lyme disease. I have read so many conflicting opinions that I do not feel I could do this part of the story justice. For this discussion I'd rather focus on clinical action steps; they are here - now what do we do about it.
So, you've found a tick
Ticks can be very tiny (the size of a poppy seed), or up to 1cm in size, so you may not see them until they are fully engorged if you even notice them at all. They tend to feed for a few days (or up to 7) and then release. The concern being, while they are latched on they can transmit the pathogens they might be carrying. Some used to think it would take 24 hours for a tick to transmit infection, but we now know this isn't the case. Therefore, the sooner you can remove the tick, the better.
Dr Jill Crista, ND from the United States has a large clinical focus on Lyme Disease. She shares this helpful video to help you navigate removing a tick.
How to Remove a Tick Video
There's also an argument for covering the bite with a poultice of charcoal or bentonite clay to draw things out. Not all Lyme experts agree that this approach is worthwhile, but it could be an option.
Sending the Tick for Testing
It used to be that ticks were automatically sent to Public Health for testing. I'm not always hearing that is occurring, or when it has happened the results took months to receive. Time is crucial when it comes to stopping the progression from bite to disease, so many will opt for private lab testing.
This is an option: www.genetick.ca
If a tick is found on your pet, your Veterinarian can help you with testing.
Treatment
Again, this is a controversial topic, with some people opting to wait for the presence of a Bull's Eye rash or test results, and others wanting to start on antibiotics right away. Individual practitioners will even prescribe the antibiotics differently: types like amoxicillin or doxycycline, or durations varying from 3-28 days.
Outside of conventional antibiotics, there are several recommendations from the Naturopathic world as well. A combination of therapies is generally best, and I would generally suggest erring on the side of caution and treating proactively and aggressively.
- Botanicals: Oregano oil, Andrographis, Grapefruit seed extract, St John's Wort, Black Walnut (there are several combo formulas available)
- Nutrients: Cod Liver Oil, ACES+zinc
- Homeopathics: Ledum, Borrelia (or a complex homeopathic remedy)
Symptoms of Infection
These can begin up to 3 weeks later, with signs of fever, swollen lymph nodes and headache. The classic Bull's Eye rash (below) is only present in 10-30% of cases, so if you see it - definitely treat, but if you don't you aren't necessarily in the clear either. Human testing for Borrelia and other coinfections is not the best, which is why testing the tick is great if you can do it.
Despite our best efforts, like wearing long pants in tall grass, you may still have the unfortunate experience of being food for a tick. Knowing the steps to take will help you to stay calm and support the best possible outcome.
You could even keep chickens around, they love to eat ticks!
Hope this helps!
Enjoy the rest of the spring,
Dr Christa
*** This article is for information only, not to be used as medical advice.
Bull's Eye Rash:
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