The two-year-old dog became lethargic, thin and listless, deteriorating to the point that it was admitted to a pet hospital for a week for a blood transfusion.
“I was really worried about him,” Ms Powell, an enrolled nurse, said.
Testing confirmed Leo had ehrlichiosis, a disease transmitted through bites from brown dog ticks carrying the Ehrlichia canis bacteria.
But what worried the specialists is that Leo lives in the urban Top End, which some experts fear is becoming a new stronghold for a disease spreading like wildfire.
The first Australian case was detected in the Kimberley region of Western Australia in May last year.
By June, cases were rapidly emerging in Katherine in the Northern Territory and the surrounding remote communities.
The Northern Territory government has recorded 370 confirmed cases — 110 in the Darwin and Arnhem Land region, 149 in the Katherine region, 36 in Tennant Creek and in Alice Springs and surrounds, 75.
Experts say countless more have been left undetected in remote communities with little intervention.
“When we finally got to bring him home, [the vets] said he needs to stay inside, he’s at risk of spontaneous bleeding and he might not make it,” Ms Powell said.
“It was very full-on, very emotional.
“There were tears basically every night.”
Until the first cases were discovered just last year, stringent biosecurity controls had kept ehrlichiosis out of Australia.
Experts are still baffled by how the disease got in but, according to Professor Peter Irwin from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Murdoch University, the disease is now considered “endemic” across the NT.
“Ehrlichiosis is one of the most serious diseases of dogs in my opinion,” he said.
“It makes them very ill, and many dogs can die.
“Once it establishes into a tick population, it’s very difficult to eradicate.”
Common symptoms include lethargy, fever and cloudy eyes, which can be cleared up with antibiotics but, if left untreated, the disease can lead to blindness, uncontrollable bleeding and death.
“The problem with this disease is that dogs travel and spread infected ticks,” Professor Irwin said.
“Dogs that have moved from an endemic area of the community into the city will possibly bring ticks with them, and the ticks can then drop off.
“There have now been dogs with the disease identified in most other capitals, most as a result of travel from the north.”
Doctor Stephen Cutter, the head veterinarian at Darwin’s Ark Animal Hospital, is no stranger to the crippling disease.
He said up to 40 per cent of the dogs are infected in the remote communities of the Top End he visits on rotation.
But in August of last year, he saw his first case in a pet that had not left urban Darwin.
Arielle Giles, a vet at the Darwin Veterinary Hospital, confirmed the disease’s spread to Darwin, saying she had seen six cases in the past three months.
“It’s a devastatingly bad disease and it’s really difficult to treat,” Dr Cutter said.
“It’s basically everywhere and it’s now a matter of living with it.”
Both Professor Irwin and Dr Cutter said keeping ticks at bay is the best way to prevent ehrlichiosis.
“Because the infection is transmitted so quickly from the tick bites, the most important way of protecting your dog is to use a product, such as a collar that kills ticks before they bite,” Professor Irwin said.
It has now been five months since Leo was struck down by the tiny parasite and, while he is still getting regular check-ups and his future is looking brighter, vets can’t give the all-clear.
“Ehrlichiosis is really nasty in that it can stay hidden in the bone marrow for a long period of time,” Dr Cutter said.
Earlier this year, the NT government brought on a new coordinator to transition the NT’s response to the disease from a biosecurity threat to managing the outbreak.
“This disease is a nationally notifiable disease, which means that suspected cases of E.canis need to be reported, and free testing can be carried out on blood samples from suspected dogs,” said the chief vet at the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Dr Sue Fitzpatrick.
Stray Pup Brings Traffic to a Standstill on the Pan-American Highway in Quest for Beloved Owner
In a world often characterized by the hustle and bustle of daily life, moments of unexpected compassion and extraordinary encounters remind us of the deep bond that can exist between humans and animals. This is the heartwarming tale of a stray puppy who, in his unwavering quest for his beloved owner, brought traffic to a standstill on the busy Pan-American Highway.
As travelers journeyed along the Pan-American Highway, a vital thoroughfare connecting nations and people, they encountered an extraordinary sight. Amidst the cacophony of vehicles and the rush of commuters, there, in the midst of it all, was a solitary and drenched puppy. He was a picture of adorable determination, standing vigilant and unyielding despite the perilous situation posed by the fast-moving cars.
Good Samaritans, concerned for the welfare of this brave little soul, approached the scene. While their hearts overflowed with compassion, they knew that their medical expertise was limited. Nevertheless, they wasted no time in providing the shivering pup with nourishment and comfort. Despite his ordeal, he appeared to be in relatively good condition.
However, the puppy’s anxiety became palpable when he heard the distant barks of other canines. Fearing for his safety amidst the chaotic traffic, the caretakers made the heart-wrenching decision to isolate him in an unoccupied enclosure. There, in this temporary refuge, the puppy was given a name – Pingan – and began his journey toward recovery and a brighter future.
Pingan, with his infectious spirit, quickly captured the hearts of those who crossed his path. But he bore a physical reminder of past challenges – a missing limb, which required extra care and attention. With regular treatments and unwavering care, Pingan began to thrive. He radiated energy and zest for life.
Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of this tale is the special bond that blossomed between Pingan and another resident of his newfound sanctuary, a furry friend named Doudou. Doudou seemed to embrace the role of a motherly figure for Pingan, offering him companionship and support as he adjusted to his new life.
Observing Pingan as he settled into his safe and nurturing environment served as a poignant reminder of the profound importance of providing proper care to animals, especially those in need. It reaffirms our duty as compassionate beings to extend a helping hand to those who require it most. Knowing that Pingan now has a warm and secure home, surrounded by love and care, brings immeasurable joy to all who played a part in his journey.
In a world often marked by the relentless march of time and technology, it’s stories like Pingan’s that serve as timeless reminders of the enduring bond between humans and animals. It’s a bond that transcends language, borders, and even the bustling traffic of a major highway, reminding us all of the beauty of compassion and the extraordinary journeys that can unfold when hearts are open to the call of those in need.
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