On 16 September, a dog was taken in by Austin Pets Alive! hospital after being found in distress by the rural shelter in Raymondville, Texas. The three-year-old animal was so weakened by the parasites that he could no longer stand. Ticks covered his face, ears and other parts of his body.
Named Microsoft Office by the charity, the dog was suffering from severe anaemia and needed an immediate blood transfusion. This initial treatment helped him regain some strength before the medical team and several volunteers began the lengthy task of removing the parasites. For several hours, they removed hundreds of ticks, with the total number likely exceeding a thousand.
Costly but life-saving treatment
Now free of ticks, Microsoft Office remains fragile but stable. Thanks to the transfusion, made possible by a blood donation from another shelter dog named Tiger, he's regained some energy. The charity has already spent over £800 on his care, including transfusions, allergy medication, steroids, fluids, anti-nausea treatments and other essential interventions.
According to the vets, the prognosis is encouraging if the animal continues to respond well to treatment. He's now looking for a calm and secure foster home where he can recover in better conditions.
The importance of tick vigilance
Microsoft Office's case serves as a reminder to pet owners about the importance of regularly checking for ticks, particularly after walks in wooded or grassy areas where these parasites thrive. Vets recommend examining the animal's entire body, including skin folds and spaces between toes, using a flea comb if needed to better part the fur.
If found, ticks should be removed with fine-tipped tweezers and kept for a few days so the vet can analyse them if the dog falls ill. A bite can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease or cause local infection.
