LYME DISEASE
What is Lyme
Disease?
Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease affecting both dogs and humans. Named
after Lyme, Connecticut, where the disease was reported in epidemic proportions
in the mid-1970s, the disease was first discovered in the United States in
humans in 1975 and in dogs in 1984.
What causes
Lyme Disease?
tick graphic courtesey of US CDC website
How common
is Lyme Disease?
In 2002, Lyme Disease caused more than 23,000 human infections in the United
States.
How is Lyme
Disease transmitted?
When an infected tick bites, the bacterium is transferred to the blood of
the host. An infected tick must be attached to the host for more than 24 hours
to spread Lyme Disease.
What should
I do if I find a tick on my dog?
If you see a tick on your dog, consult your veterinarian. It may be preferable
to have the doctor remove the tick because identification of a particular
tick species requires an undamaged specimen. To remove a tick from your dog’s
skin yourself, use the tweezers and pull back steadily and slowly to ease
out the tick’s mouthparts. Be sure to wash the bite area and your hands.
The tick’s head and mouthparts may become a source of inflammation and
infection if they remain buried in your dog’s skin. Please seek the
advice of your veterinarian if you were unsuccessful in removing the entire
tick.
What are the symptoms of Lyme Disease?
In addition to affecting the heart, brain, and kidneys, outward signs of the
disease in your dog may include one or more of the following:
A red skin rash at
the site of the bite
Loss of appetite
A stiff, painful gait or lameness
Fever
Reluctance to move
Lethargy
Depression
How is Lyme Disease diagnosed?
Consult your veterinarian if your dog exhibits symptoms of the disease. The
diagnosis of Lyme Disease in dogs is based upon a history of tick exposure
and symptoms of lameness. A blood titer for the Borrelia organism can be performed
to help confirm suspect cases. Remember that the disease is not directly transmissible
to humans from dogs, and it can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.
How can I
prevent Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is perhaps best prevented by preventing tick bites and removing
any imbedded ticks from your dog as soon as possible. Always check yourself
and your pets after spending time in tall grass, wooded, or brushy areas,
especially in the spring and summer. Brush your dog after all such outings,
taking care to check skin folds and tick hiding areas such as arm pits, groin,
ears, and under collars.
Several products are available to repel or kill ticks. Collars, sprays, or monthly topicals specifically labeled for tick control should be used according to their instructions prior to taking your dog into potentially tick-infested areas. Your veterinarian can help you to choose a product that is best for your situation. A vaccine is also available as a preventative tool. If you are interested in vaccinating your dog against Lyme disease, please consult your veterinarian.