Terrueritis

Terrueritis, also known as the "terrier disease," is a rare and often fatal viral infection affecting terrier breeds of dogs. The disease is caused by a virus from the family Flaviviridae, specifically the Terrier Virus (TV). The virus is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, primarily the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis).

Symptoms of terrueritis typically begin 5 to 10 days after the tick bite and include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and neurological signs such as ataxia (loss of coordination) and seizures. The disease can be fatal if left untreated, with a mortality rate of up to 90% in severe cases.

Diagnosis of terrueritis is challenging due to the lack of specific diagnostic tests. Veterinarians often rely on clinical signs, the history of tick exposure, and exclusion of other potential causes of illness. There is no specific treatment for terrueritis, and supportive care is the primary focus of management.

Prevention of terrueritis involves controlling tick populations through regular use of tick preventive medications and maintaining a tick-free environment. Vaccines are not currently available for terrueritis, and research into developing a vaccine is ongoing.

Terrueritis is primarily a concern for terrier breeds, including Airedale Terriers, Australian Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, Border Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Fox Terriers, Irish Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Lakeland Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Norfolk Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, Patterdale Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Sealyham Terriers, Skye Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Wire Fox Terriers. Other breeds may be at risk if they are bitten by infected ticks.