|
LYME DISEASE
WHAT IS LYME DISEASE?
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a highly motile,
corkscrew bacteria. It is transmitted by hard-shelled ticks
of the genus Ixodes, which attach and feed on various mammalian,
avian and reptilian hosts. Lyme disease is now the most common
arthropod-borne disease in humans living in the northern hemisphere.1
It has been documented in humans, dogs, cats, horses and even
cattle.
HOW IS LYME DISEASE TRANSMITTED?
Lyme disease is transmitted by hard-shelled ticks of the genus
Ixodes. The length of time the tick is attaches to the host,
determines whether your pet becomes infected with Lyme disease.
The tick must first feed on an infected host animal. Once
they ingest the bacteria, it now becomes an infective carrier.
Ticks are normally found in low-growing vegetation. Once it
senses a host animal, it will attach. When the tick attaches
to the host’s skin, the bacteria is housed in the tick’s
gut. When the tick begins to feed on the host, the bacteria
begins to migrate to the tick’s salivary glands, which
are then injected into the skin of the new host. The risk
of infection increases with the length of time the tick stays
on the host and feeds.2 Studies have shown that it takes the
organisms at least 24 hours to transfer from the tick’s
gut to the host’s skin.3
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I TEST MY DOG FOR LYME DISEASE?
Your puppy or adult dog can be tested at any age for lyme
disease. We recommend that your puppy be tested when he or
she has their first heartworm test, at the age of six months.
If your dog or puppy was exposed to a tick, he or she should
be tested to see if they were exposed.
WHAT CLINICAL SIGNS WILL I SEE IF MY DOG HAS LYME DISEASE?
Lyme disease affects animals differently than it does humans.
It is most recognized as an acute or sub acute inflammatory
event. Most cats do not show any signs at all. The others
may only show slight lameness. Some dogs may not show any
clinical signs at all or in some it may take weeks to months
to develop. In dogs, clinical signs may start with anorexia,
fever and a mild limp. The signs may progress to a more severe
limp, painful joints, lethargy, vomiting, kidney disease and
neurologic abnormalities.
HOW DO I TREAT LYME DISEASE? SHOULD I TREAT MY DOG EVEN THOUGH
HE IS NOT SHOWING ANY CLINICAL SIGNS? IS LYME DISEASE CURABLE?
IS IT CONTAGIOUS TO ME OR MY OTHER CATS OR DOGS?
Antibiotics are very effective (if done early) in improving
the clinical signs but they don’t necessarily eliminate
the infection. Even though your pet my not be showing clinical
signs, it is better to treat and possibly prevent or lessen
the severity of the clinical signs. Lyme disease is treatable
but not curable. You cannot contract Lyme disease from your
dog or cat, however, you (humans) can contract Lyme disease
from certain ticks.
HOW DO I PREVENT MY DOG FROM GETTING LYME DISEASE?
Vaccination is by far the most effective way to protect your
dog against Lyme disease. Vaccination for Lyme disease is
recommended for healthy dogs 9 weeks of age and older. After
the primary vaccination, you should revaccinate with a second
dose 3 weeks later. The lyme vaccinations is then given annually.
Daily body checks for attached ticks are very effective in
preventing infection.3 Because spirochetes are not transmitted
during the first day of tick attachment, it is best to remove
the tick as soon as possible. Avoid heavily-wooded areas and
tall grasses. Your pet should be treated with a monthly tick
repelling/killing agent (ie. Frontline or Advantix).
1.CDC, Division of Vector-borne Infectious
diseases: Learn about Lyme disease.?April 2006
2.Clinical Advances, Supplement Compendium Continuing Education
for Veterinarians. Vol.28.No.6(A)?2006
3.Clinical Advances, Supplement Compendium Continuing Education
for Veterinarians. Vol.28.No.6(A)?2006
Contact us for more
info
|
