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.
CHRONIC CONSTIPATION – A SILENT THREAT TO YOUR DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Constipation may seem like a minor inconvenience, but when left untreated for extended periods, it can lead to severe health consequences. Below is a real-life case that highlights just how dangerous chronic constipation can be and why you should never ignore it.
Shocking X-ray Image of a Patient with Long-Term Constipation
The X-ray image below belongs to a young woman who suffered from chronic constipation for years. One day, her condition worsened, and she went for over two weeks without a bowel movement. Concerned, she finally sought medical help, only to receive alarming results.
The Root Cause:
- When the digestive system is unable to expel waste properly, stool begins to accumulate in the colon, causing severe discomfort and pain.
- Over time, the colon stretches beyond its normal capacity to hold the excessive buildup of fecal matter.
- In the X-ray, you can see how the colon has expanded dramatically, reaching up towards the chest area, near the heart.
- The normal folds and wrinkles of the colon, which are essential for its function, have almost disappeared due to extreme bloating and distension.
This condition, often overlooked, can lead to life-threatening complications if not addressed in time.
The Dangerous Consequences of Chronic Constipation
Severe Colon Distension
- When the colon is forced to expand beyond its natural limit, it gradually loses its ability to contract and push stool forward.
- This results in worsening constipation, making it even harder for the body to have a natural bowel movement.
Video : Constipation: The Silent Danger Hiding in Your Gut and How to Avoid It
Toxin Build-Up in the Body
- When waste remains in the colon for too long, harmful toxins and bacteria can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
- This can cause chronic fatigue, acne breakouts, bad breath, bloating, and weakened immunity.
Hemorrhoids & Anal Fissures
- Excessive straining while attempting to pass hard stools can lead to hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the rectum), which cause pain and bleeding.
- Severe cases may result in anal fissures, tiny tears in the anus that make bowel movements extremely painful.
Intestinal Blockage (Bowel Obstruction)
- One of the most life-threatening complications of untreated constipation is bowel obstruction.
- When waste completely blocks the intestines, it can cut off blood supply to the gut, causing tissue death (necrosis) and serious infections.
- In extreme cases, patients may require emergency surgery to remove the damaged part of the intestine.
Increased Risk of Colon Cancer
- Studies have suggested that chronic constipation may be linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
- The prolonged presence of waste in the colon increases exposure to carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances, leading to inflammation and abnormal cell growth.
How to Prevent and Treat Constipation Naturally
The good news is that constipation is preventable with a few simple lifestyle adjustments. Here’s how you can keep your digestive system running smoothly:
Increase Fiber Intake
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Foods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, apples, pears, and prunes are excellent natural laxatives.
Stay Hydrated
- Drink at least 2-3 liters (8-12 cups) of water per day to soften stools and promote bowel movements.
- Warm lemon water in the morning can help stimulate digestion and relieve constipation.
Exercise Regularly
- Movement helps stimulate the intestines and encourages regular bowel activity.
- Try walking, yoga, or stretching exercises for 15-30 minutes daily.
Develop a Consistent Bathroom Routine
- Train your body to go at a regular time each day, preferably after meals.
- Avoid holding in bowel movements, as this can make constipation worse over time.
Limit Processed & Low-Fiber Foods
- Cut back on fried foods, fast food, dairy, red meat, and refined carbohydrates (white bread, pastries, sugary snacks).
- These foods slow digestion and contribute to hard stools.
Try Natural Remedies
- Drinking warm herbal teas (such as ginger tea, peppermint tea, or fennel tea) can soothe digestion.
- Aloe vera juice and magnesium supplements are also helpful for easing constipation.
Video : Man’s Extreme Constipation Nearly Kills Him
🚨 Important Reminder:
If you haven’t had a bowel movement in 2-3 days, start paying close attention to your diet and lifestyle. If constipation persists for over a week, or you experience severe pain, bloating, vomiting, or blood in your stool, seek medical attention immediately.
Final Thoughts
Constipation isn’t just an uncomfortable nuisance—it can turn into a serious health problem if left untreated. Taking proactive steps to support your digestive system can prevent long-term complications and keep your gut healthy.
Your health starts with small daily habits—so don’t ignore what your body is telling you!
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