German Shepherd dog

I give up, what is it?? Even a search got me no results.. thought it must be some giant creature.... is this different than any normal tick here in the US.. where are you??

We normally use Frontline or K9 Advantix for our pest problems here and never have I had to have a tick surgically removed!! You just pull them off!!

How big is the thing?? i'm picturing something the size of a kitten, please clarify 

I know not the best of references always but.....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyalomma

Also look under crimean congo hemorraghic fever.

Mary

They are not much different in size than most ticks around the world. In other words, they are not monsters. And yes, they can carry CCHF and many other diseases too that are passed to humans and animals. 

As I write this, there is a posse in Texas riding the border looking for cattle herds afflicted with a type of tick that comes north from Mexico carrying a really nasty disease that causes serious fever and worse in cattle. In another area, they are worried about a disease seen only in wildebeests which is now affecting a herd of cattle because some exotic hunting ranch imported wildebeests from Africa.....We are such stupid humans to move all types of plants and animals all over the globe. Because of this, entire herds will end up being destroyed by agricultural officials order.

Best prevent tick bites, on you and your animals, where one lives. 

I read about the tick posse.  Kinda scary!

Thanks Hodie.

Definitely some scary stuff.  Even more reason, to hate ticks!  Lyme disease is the big one around here, but more and more, we are seeing Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever as well, and Erhlichia. 

Hi everyone....thx for all your replies and questions!!!  I must admit you gave me a good laugh!!!  I am very happy to tell you more about this nasty creature we have here in South Africa.  It is called a "Bontpoot" because it has striped legs - red body about the size of a garden pea but flat and is found in areas where there are cattle, sheep and goats, as well as antelopes and other hoofed wild animals.  No, the tick itself does not have to be removed surgically - ha ha ha - but what it does is cause necrosis of the skin around the bite - often this goes unnoticed until the area is quite large - I have seen bites of between 2cm and 14cm in diameter (the latter if they are not discovered quickly enough).

So the skin rots and gets pussy (not kitty, but full of pus) and often the dead skin has to be incised and the wound sown together.  What is nasty about these guys is that they hold on for dear life, so don't pull off as easily as your normal big fat blue ticks.  My experience is that you grip them hard and with a quick anti-clockwise pull should get them off without leaving the head behind. The are very agressive and mobile. The bite area/limb whatever is extremely painful and the dog will winch from the gentlest touch - usually a sure sign of a Hyalomma bite.

The wound must be treated as any other against infection - I keep wound clean, put on some Rapha (excellent South African product) and something like Betadine.  I also gave her some anti inflammatory/painkiller - now its just a matter of time and prayer that the hole doesnt get bigger.  I think we are over the worst as the dead skin has fallen off so should be no more necrosis.

I dip my dogs regularly, essential as I live in the bushveld, but have to change the treatment as they build up  resistance.  Frontline is great but very costly as I have a whole bunch of dogs.

Comment to the member who read about my other dog's PF problem - of course I wont be breeding with her!!  The problem has been brought under control and she is well as long as she is on her medication - the vet specialist who treats her is happy with her progress - thanks for your concern.

Have an awesome weekend all of you

Ciao