Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Smarty PANCE)

Prognosis of RMSF?

1-10% of dogs will die from diseease

Who is susceptible?

Dogs and humans. Found in certain geographic areas of north, south and central America.

Clinical signs of rocky mountain spotted fever

Fever, loss of appetite, enlarged lymph nodes, vomiting/diarrhea, swelling of face or extremities

How is RMSF diagnosed?

Indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test remains the standard method of diagnosis of RMSF. Biopsy of rash with fluorescent antibody staining to detect organisms. Start antibiotic treatment without results if disease is suspected.

Prevention/control of RMSF?

No effective vaccine is available. Measures can be taken to prevent tick bites

What is Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF)?

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii a species of bacterium that is spread to humans by the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)

Severe cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever show what signs?

Unraised, round, purplish-red spots on lining of eyelids or mouth (caused by bleeding below surface of skin). Nervous system symptoms- altered mental state, impaired balance, spinal pain

Where does the rash of Rocky Mountain spotted fever classically present?

The rash of Rocky Mountain spotted fever classically starts on the wrists and ankles then spreads to the trunk, palms, and soles

Treatment of RMSF?

Treatment is doxycycline 200 mg PO once followed by 100 mg bid until the patient improves, has been afebrile for 24 to 48 h, and has received treatment for at least 7 days - Chloramphenicol 500 mg PO or IV qid for 7 days is 2nd-line treatment