Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease is a common dog health problem, caused due to infection by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which belongs to the group spirochetes. Lyme disease is named after Lyme, Connecticut, where the condition first made its appearance. It is also referred to as borreliosis. Lyme disease was identified in humans in 1975 and later in 1984, it was identified in dogs. Prior to 1975, the disease condition was misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, as the symptoms of lyme disease are more or less similar to rheumatoid arthritis.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Causes and Symptoms

Lyme disease in dogs is caused when the pets are bitten by an infected tick. In such a condition, the tick does not cause the disease, but it is a carrier of bacteria that actually cause lyme disease. Though all three species of ticks can act as carriers of lyme disease, majority of times, lyme disease is transmitted via Deer tick (black-legged tick, scientific name Ixodes scapularis). For transmitting the bacterium, the tick requires to stay in the body of the pet for at least 2 days (48 hours). In United States, the chances of getting bitten by an infected tick is high from April to November.

Symptoms develop within 3-5 months, after a dog is bitten by an infected tick. Symptoms of lyme disease in dogs are often vague and resemble many other health complications. This is the reason, why the disease was identified only few decades back. Lyme disease affects many organs of the body and hence, at times, it is also called "The Great Pretender". The notable signs and symptoms of lyme disease in dogs are listed below:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Increased fatigue
• High fever
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Limping in dogs (mostly affects either one of the forelegs)

In case, the dog shows any of these symptoms or if there is a change in the dog's behavior, then the pet owner should consult and seek advice from a qualified veterinarian. Some complications of lyme disease that infected dogs suffer from include kidney problem, heart disease and nervous system disorder.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of lyme disease in dogs is based on the symptoms, physical examination and medical history of the ill dog. The veterinarian will also study the travel history of the pet, to determine whether the pet dog had been to an endemic area or not. For confirmation, the vet may conduct a blood test in order to check the presence of the bacterium.

If the dog is diagnosed with lyme disease, the veterinarian will prescribe medications. Treatment is required as soon as possible, as there are chances of causing permanent damage to the infected dog's nerves and joints. Apart from administration of antibiotic therapy, antimicrobial therapy may be recommended. The antibiotics course may vary from 14 days to 30 days. If the dog suffers from severe pain, then the vet may also recommend pain relievers.

Symptoms usually subside 3-4 days after administration of antibiotic medications. In case of quitting antibiotic intake before completion of the medication course, there is high risk of recurrence of the disease within the next few weeks or months.

It is to be noted that lyme disease can also be transmitted to cats. Prevention of lyme disease in dogs and other pets can be done by giving vaccination. Dogs that are previously infected with the disease should also be vaccinated, as there are chances of reinfection. The pet owner should take adequate care of his dog's health to prevent it from getting exposed to ticks. One can make use of insecticides to minimize the tick population.