Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease is a tick
borne disease caused by the spirochaete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The
bacteria is transmitted via infected ticks (most commonly the deer tick). It
affects both humans & other mammals. It is most commonly found in the
northeastern & midwestern states in the United States.
The name came after the
place in which it was first discovered. Lyme, Conneticut. It was first
recognised in people in 1975 & found in dogs in 1984.
The tick larvae feed on
infected hosts such as tiny rodents & voles. These animals carry Borrelia
burgdorferi in their blood without any problems. The larvae become infected
with the bacteria themselves during feeding, residing in the tick larvae's
gut, again without any problem. If the tick finds it's way onto a dog it
then passes the bacteria onto the new host. In most cases, the tick must
remain attached to the dog for 48 hours for infection to be transmitted.
What are the signs of
lyme disease in dogs?
The most common sign of
Lyme disease is arthritis with lameness. Other symptoms may include;
Left untreated, Lyme
disease can affect other organs of the body such as the heart & kidneys.
How is Lyme disease
diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will
perform a complete physical examination of your dog & obtain a medical
history. If he suspects Lyme disease tests he may perform include a blood
test to look for titres to Lyme disease.
How is Lyme disease in
dogs treated?
-
Antibiotic therapy,
usually tetracycline.
-
Pain relievers may also
be prescribed to offer relief from pain & inflammation.
It may take up to a month
to
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