Dog owners are being urged to check their pets daily after a devastated family lost their beloved dog, Leo, to a fast-moving tick-borne illness.
Holly Cross, Leo’s owner, said their family is still trying to process how quickly their healthy dog deteriorated after what appeared to be just one tick bite.
“Our boy was perfectly fine until one tick changed everything,” she said.
The warning comes as vets say ticks have multiplied following recent heavy rainfall. Owners are being reminded that the danger is not limited to rural paths, waste ground or the Camino. Ticks are now being found on ordinary streets, pavements and main footpaths across parts of Spain.
Leo first appeared unwell on a Monday morning. By Tuesday, he had stopped eating, could not walk, and his eyes, gums and tongue had turned yellow. He was foaming at the mouth and deteriorating rapidly.
The family rushed him to the vet as an emergency. They were initially sent home with tablets and told to wait. But Holly said they knew something was seriously wrong and returned later the same day as Leo worsened.
By Tuesday morning, Leo was almost lifeless in Holly’s arms. He was called back in as an emergency and, by that afternoon, the family were told he needed an immediate blood transfusion to survive.
The transfusion was successful that night and, by Wednesday morning, Leo’s body had accepted the blood. For a short time, there was hope. He was placed on IV fluids, steroids and intensive support.
But by Friday, the family received the call every pet owner dreads. The parasites in Leo’s blood had multiplied by the millions. Vets said further transfusions would not save him. The illness had taken him in just four days.
“All of this from one tick,” Holly said.
Leo’s family are now urging dog owners to use tick prevention, check their pets every day, and push for blood tests if a dog suddenly becomes lethargic, stops eating, develops yellow eyes or gums, or behaves out of character.
A GoFundMe page, Parasites Awareness, has been set up to help with emergency vet bills and to raise awareness so no other family has to suffer the same heartbreak.
https://gofund.me/b3abb0558
