Definition of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, also known as Borreliosis, is an acute, painful disease of dogs and other mammals caused by a single-celled, spiral-shaped bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, and transmitted primarily by the deer tick, Ixodes dammini.
How Lyme Disease Affects Dogs
The most dominant clinical feature of lyme disease in dogs is recurrent shifting lameness. Affected animals also become lethargic, anorexic and develop swollen lymph nodes, swollen joints and a slight fever. These signs typically appear a matter of months after exposure to infected ticks. The disease can cause severe and even fatal kidney damage in chronic cases, accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance and weight loss. While many dogs in endemic areas are seropositive for exposure to the causative microorganism, only about 5% of those dogs develop clinical disease.
Causes of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Borrelia burgdorferi is endemic in the northeastern and mid-atlantic areas of the United States. It is also found in the upper midwest and coastal Pacific northwest. Dogs become infected when they are bitten by an infected nymph or adult female Ixodes tick, which stays attached to the dog for at least 18 hours. Some authorities report that attachment must be more than 48 hours for infection to be conferred. The actual transfer of infectious bacteria from tick to dog occurs when the tick regurgitates into the bite wound after it feeds. The ticks become infected by feeding on the blood of other animals carrying the bacteria, especially the white-footed deer mouse. Hunting dogs and other dogs involved in outdoor activities are at a heightened risk of becoming infected.
Preventing Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease can be prevented through regular use of topical tick repellents and by prompt removal of ticks from a dog’s skin. In areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, a yearly vaccination is recommended.
Special Notes
Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics and supportive care. The prognosis for dogs with this disease is quite good. Lyme disease occurs in people, and infected ticks can be carried on a dog’s coat and transferred to the owner.