Ticked Off
Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease that affects both humans, dogs and other domestic animals. The tick carries the lyme-causing bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi and transmits it through the blood within 24 to 48 hours after attaching to the dog or other host. The deer tick is the most common vector for lyme disease . The disease cannot be transmitted directly from dog to human or dog to dog. However, the dog may carry ticks into the home which may become attached to other pets and family members,
Lyme disease may present with a number of symptoms commonly associated with musculoskeletal or systemic chronic diseases and therefore may not be diagnosed upon the initial presentation of symptoms to the veterinarian. Therefore, a thorough history of potential exposure and a tick check may be part of the normal assessment particularly in states of the Northeast, Upper Midwest and Pacific Coast which account for the majority of the cases of lyme disease
Symptoms of Lyme Disease include:
- Fever
- Lameness
- Pain
- Joint Inflammation
- Poor Appetite
- Lethargy
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Facial Paralysis
- No symptoms ....
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 5 months after infection with the Borrelia Burgdorferi bacteria. Lyme disease may be identified through a Multiplex Assay OspF and C6 which detects antibodies in the blood and the disease is commonly treated with a four week course of antibiotics. Even if the dog presents with mild symptoms, it is important to treat lyme disease as it can progress to kidney failure, neurological issues and less commonly, cardiac issues.
Prevention of lyme disease is an important component of maintaining your dog’s health. Keep your dog on a veterinarian- approved tick and flea medication, perform regular checks for ticks on your pets and family members and keep your grass cut short to reduce the exposure to ticks.
