Tick Borne Disease Flashcards
1
Q
Why are sometimes Snap test positive for a non-infected pet?
A
This is usually because the pet was exposed to the bacteria from a tick bite. Even though the pet didn’t develop an infection, their body made enough antibodies to protect itself just in case. Remember that positive Snap tests only mean that antibodies are in the bloodstream. The tests can’t tell whether the bacteria themselves are in the pet’s body.
2
Q
What are antibodies?
A
Antibodies are proteins in the blood that are created when a pet’s body is exposed to bacteria and viruses so as to help fight that infection. Each antibody is made specifically for the virus or bacteria the body was exposed to. Even after the infection is gone, these antibodies will remain in the bloodstream.
