This information is not presented as medical advice
nor is is intended to take the place of advice from your veterinarian.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that is transmitted through the bite of a tick.
How common is it?
Some studies suggest that more than 75% of dogs in areas where Lyme disease is common (such as the Northeast) may be exposed. But, only a small percent of exposed dogs will develop symptoms of the disease.
What are the symptoms in dogs?
Lyme disease has many different symptoms that can vary from dog to dog.
Symptoms include:
- Lameness/limping
- Fatigue
- Severe pain
- Swollen and/or painful joints
- Fever
- Depression/temperament changes
- Refusal to move
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
Some dogs will not show any symptoms of the disease. Others with severe cases can develop kidney damage or failure, heart disease, or neurological problems (like aggression, confusion, or seizures).
The above symptoms are also typical of other conditions, making Lyme disease difficult to diagnosis correctly.
How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
Lyme disease in dogs is usually diagnosed when the dog has signs of arthritis (e.g., lameness), has been exposed to a high-risk area, and responds well to treatment.
There is also a blood test that measures antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Although blood tests can be helpful, they are not always accurate:
- A positive blood test means that the dog was exposed to the bacteria. But, not all dogs that have been exposed show signs of the disease.
- The blood test might be negative in dogs in the early stages of the disease or after antibiotic treatment.
- Some blood tests will be positive in dogs that have been vaccinated for Lyme disease.
Other conditions that cause similar symptoms should be considered before Lyme disease can be correctly diagnosed.
How is Lyme disease treated?
Lyme disease is generally treated with antibiotics, such as tetracycline. For dogs in severe pain, vets may prescribe aspirin or another pain medication. Dogs usually begin to feel better after a few days of treatment.
Most dogs will completely recover. Some will have a recurrence of symptoms, but should respond to another dose of treatment.
Can Lyme disease be transmitted from dogs to humans or other dogs?
There is no evidence that infected dogs can directly transmit the disease to their humans or other dogs.
Can Lyme disease be prevented?
You can take a number of steps to help prevent your dog from getting Lyme disease:
- Use anti-tick products on your dog. Check with your vet for the best one for your dog.
- Avoid or take precautions when entering areas where ticks live (e.g., grassy, damp, and/or woody areas).
- Check your dog for ticks. If you find a tick (which is about the size of the head of a pin), remove it with a tweezers. With an antiseptic, clean your hands and the affected area on your dog.
- Brush your dog often.
- Talk with your vet about vaccinating your dog. Not everyone agrees with using vaccines. Sometimes they can cause certain blood tests for Lyme disease to become positive.
References and Links:
Lyme Disease and Pets
Lyme Disease Foundation
At http://www.lyme.org/otherdis/ld_pets.html
Your Pet and Lyme Disease
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
At http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/clientED/lyme.asp
Lyme Disease—General Information and FAQ
By Lloyd E. Miller, DVM
At http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/jake/mosaic/lyme.html
Lyme Disease
United States Police Canine Association
At http://www.uspcak9.com/medical/lymedisease.shtml (under construction as of January 5, 2007)
Lyme Disease FAQ
K9 Advantix
At: http://www.k9advantix.com/Lyme-Disease-FAQ.asp
What Is Lyme Disease in Dogs?
By T. J. Dunn, Jr., DVM for ThePetCenter.com
At http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/lyme.html |
