Lyme disease is a significant risk for dogs, especially in areas where ticks are prevalent.
Cause (Types of Ticks)
Lyme disease in dogs is triggered by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which spreads through bites from infected ticks. The main carriers are black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick or Ixodes scapularis) and the Western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus). These ticks are commonly found in grassy, wooded, and rural areas, making pets that spend time outdoors particularly vulnerable.
Black-Legged Tick (Deer Tick)
- Appearance: Small, with a reddish-brown body.
- Habitat: Prefers wooded areas, leaf litter, and tall grasses.
- Active Seasons: Most active in spring and fall.
Western Black-Legged Tick
- Appearance: Similar to the deer tick but slightly larger.
- Habitat: Found in coastal and humid environments, particularly in the western United States.
- Active Seasons: Active year-round, but peak activity occurs in spring and fall.
Symptoms
Lyme disease in dogs can present a range of symptoms, which makes it challenging to diagnose without veterinary assistance. Common symptoms include:
- Lameness: Shifting leg lameness, which may appear to come and go.
- Fever: Elevated body temperature, often accompanied by lethargy.
- Swollen Joints: Visible swelling in joints, causing discomfort and pain.
- Loss of Appetite: Reduced interest in food and noticeable weight loss.
- General Malaise: Fatigue, decreased activity, and depression.
These symptoms can appear weeks to months after the tick bite, and not all infected dogs will show symptoms. Therefore, regular veterinary check-ups are essential.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of most dogs affected by Lyme disease is good with rapid recovery after prompt treatment and no relapse of symptoms. Prognosis varies based on the timeliness and effectiveness of treatment. With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most dogs have a short, acute illness, recover well and can live normal, healthy lives. However, if left untreated, or if the condition becomes more complicated, Lyme disease can lead to severe complications relating to the immune system, such as protein losing kidney disease, which can be life-threatening or immune-mediated polyarthropathy which can require ongoing management and care throughout life The prognosis for Lyme nephritis is guarded to poor.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Lyme disease in dogs involves a combination of clinical signs, history of tick exposure, and diagnostic tests. Common diagnostic methods include:
- Physical Examination: Veterinarians check for signs of lameness, fever, and swollen joints.
- CBC and biochemistry panels (routine systemic labwork): Complete blood count may show mild to moderately low platelets, mild anemia or mild to moderate WBC count increases. With complicated cases, biochemistry panel may show elevated kidney values or low blood proteins
- Urinalysis: this test may be normal but in more complicated cases may show dilute urine and increased protein levels in the urine
- Serologic Tests: Blood tests, such as the SNAP 4Dx test, detect antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi and signifies exposure to the organism.
- Quantitative Lyme C6: This test detects antibodies to a specific Borrelia protein and can be used to help identify more active infections as well as monitor response to therapy
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Detects bacterial DNA in blood or joint fluid.
- X-rays and Ultrasound: Used to assess internal damage or complications of disease, especially in cases with kidney complications.
- Joint cytology: in cases with swollen joints, dogs may have markedly increased numbers of white blood cells in joint fluid
Treatment
Lyme disease treatment in dogs typically involves antibiotics and supportive care. The most common antibiotic prescribed is doxycycline, administered for four weeks. In some instances, extra medications may be required to manage pain and inflammation the that some dogs experience.
Dogs with Lyme nephritis may require cautious IV fluids, medications to reduce protein loss via the urine, anti-hypertensive medications, medications to reduce risk of blood clot formation, general supportive care for nausea and appetite stimulation, and a reduced protein diet. Some cases may also require immune system suppression therapy.
Antibiotics
- Doxycycline: The preferred antibiotic for treating Lyme disease.
- Amoxicillin: An alternative for dogs that cannot tolerate doxycycline.
Supportive Care
- Pain Relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation (as long as there is no concurrent kidney value elevation)
- Cautious Fluid Therapy: In severe cases, to prevent dehydration and support kidney function.
- Anti-nausea medications
- Appetite stimulants
Prevention
Preventing Lyme disease is far easier than treating it. Here are some effective prevention strategies:
- Tick Control Products: Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives, such as topical treatments, collars, and oral medications.
- Regular Tick Checks: Inspect your dog daily, especially after being outdoor, and remove any ticks as quickly as possible.
- Yard Maintenance: Keep your yard well-maintained by mowing the lawn regularly and removing leaf litter.
- Avoid Tick Habitats: Minimize your dog’s exposure to wooded, grassy, and bushy areas where ticks thrive.
- Vaccination: Consult your veterinarian about the Lyme disease vaccine, which can provide additional protection for your dog in high-risk areas.
Conclusion
Lyme disease is a serious but often preventable condition that can significantly impact your dog’s health. You can protect your pet from this illness by understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing effective prevention strategies. Check your dog for ticks regularly, and consult your primary veterinary practice for more information and assistance. Your vigilance and proactive care can make all the difference in keeping your dog safe from Lyme disease.