The month of May is “Lyme Disease Awareness Month.” In honor of Lyme Disease Awareness Month for 2011, Pain.com is publishing a series of four articles about lyme disease. This article describes what lyme disease is, how lyme disease is spread and who gets lyme disease. Future articles will discuss the signs and symptoms of lyme disease and how lyme disease is diagnosed, treatment of lyme disease and prevention of lyme disease.
Lyme disease is ultimately caused by a species of spirochete bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, but lyme disease requires a vector for transmission. That is, developing a case of lyme disease requires two things to happen.
First, a tick has to pick up the Borrelia bacterium from the blood of an animal. Animals that commonly harbor this bacterium include several different species of wild rodents, like squirrels and mice. Second, a human has to be bitten by this infected tick. When the tick bites a person, the bacterium can get into the person’s body through the wound and cause an infection.
Multiple strains exist of the spiral-shaped Borrelia bacterium, and there may be as many as 100 distinct strains of Borrelia burgdorferi in the United States alone.
However, there are only two species of ticks that are associated with lyme disease in America: the black-legged tick and the western black-legged tick. These ticks are two different species of the genus Ixodes, and their common name is “deer tick.” They do indeed bite deer, but they feed upon many other types of animals as well, including rodents.
Rodents are more likely to harbor the Borrelia bacterium than deer, but deer can carry ticks around that have already been infected with Borrelia. Other types of ticks in the United States are not thought to spread lyme disease, but some of them can harbor and transmit other vector-borne diseases, such as tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Lyme disease is not known to be transmitted to humans through any method except via tick bites, although it is theoretically possible to get lyme disease from a blood transfusion if the donor was infected with Borrelia bacteria. Lyme disease is not transmitted through sexual contact, airborne transmission, water, food or from the bites of other disease vectors, like mosquitos.
Mammalian pets, like cats and dogs, can get lyme disease; however, it has not been shown that a pet can directly transmit the disease to humans or other pets. It does not appear that lyme disease can be transmitted to a fetus when a woman is pregnant; however, it is possible that lyme disease can have a negative impact on the pregnancy if untreated.
For example, the infection can affect the placenta, which increases the risk of having a miscarriage. It is also unlikely that the bacterium can be transmitted to an infant through breast milk.
In certain parts of the country, ticks are able to bite nearly year-round; however, most cases of lyme disease develop during the spring or summer months, when people are more likely to be outside walking in the woods or in tall grass. Lyme disease affects people of all ages more or less equally and men and women are basically equally affected.
Lyme disease is one of the most common vector-borne illnesses in the United States.
The next article in the Lyme Disease Awareness Month series will describe the clinical signs and symptoms of lyme disease and discuss how lyme disease is diagnosed.
View the original article here
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Uptick in ticks as season begins
Central New York veterinarians say anyone who hasn't yet protected their pets against ticks should do so soon. The number of pets being bitten has jumped dramatically over the past two weeks.
Stack Veterinary Hospital has already seen about 25 cases of dogs and cats with ticks. The Mattydale Animal Hospital has about a dozen new cases each week.
Marcellus Roundree's dog Oreo is one of those not treated for ticks. "I'm walking my dog for the first time this year," Roundtree said while walking through Onondaga Lake Park. "Enjoying what sun we have left."
Vets, including Karen Leshkivich of the Mattydale Animal Hospital, say this isn't the season to wait. "It's going to be bad," she said. "It definitely will be worse than previous years because of the moisture and the heat we're now getting."
Veterinarians are predicting the conditions will conspire to create twice as many ticks this year than last.
Most vets recommend year-round protection against ticks, but at the very least your pet should be protected snow thaw to snow fall.
A dog's treatment may not be the same as a cat's, and both need to be cared for individually.
"Even if you use something for your dog and that cat is in the same household, it could be toxic to your cat," Leshkivich said.
Fortunately, Leshkivich adds, once-a-month treatment is easy. "Try to get under the fur, put it in several spots along the back. So, that spreads all over the body for full body control," she advises.
And remember, all the chemicals in the world are no replacement for a thorough visual check. "Feel around their muzzle and around their ears because the ticks will get in and around the base of the ears," Leshkivich says.
Ticks carry many harmful diseases, including Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be easily contracted by humans as well.
If you do find a tick, vets say you should bring your pet in to have it removed. The animal may also need testing done to make sure it hasn't contracted any diseases.
Della Allen knows how important for every member of her family, two legged or four. "I have two little kids too," she said. "So, I don't need those bugs in my house."
Remember to check with your local veterinarian for the best treatment.
View the original article here
Stack Veterinary Hospital has already seen about 25 cases of dogs and cats with ticks. The Mattydale Animal Hospital has about a dozen new cases each week.
Marcellus Roundree's dog Oreo is one of those not treated for ticks. "I'm walking my dog for the first time this year," Roundtree said while walking through Onondaga Lake Park. "Enjoying what sun we have left."
Vets, including Karen Leshkivich of the Mattydale Animal Hospital, say this isn't the season to wait. "It's going to be bad," she said. "It definitely will be worse than previous years because of the moisture and the heat we're now getting."
Veterinarians are predicting the conditions will conspire to create twice as many ticks this year than last.
Most vets recommend year-round protection against ticks, but at the very least your pet should be protected snow thaw to snow fall.
A dog's treatment may not be the same as a cat's, and both need to be cared for individually.
"Even if you use something for your dog and that cat is in the same household, it could be toxic to your cat," Leshkivich said.
Fortunately, Leshkivich adds, once-a-month treatment is easy. "Try to get under the fur, put it in several spots along the back. So, that spreads all over the body for full body control," she advises.
And remember, all the chemicals in the world are no replacement for a thorough visual check. "Feel around their muzzle and around their ears because the ticks will get in and around the base of the ears," Leshkivich says.
Ticks carry many harmful diseases, including Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be easily contracted by humans as well.
If you do find a tick, vets say you should bring your pet in to have it removed. The animal may also need testing done to make sure it hasn't contracted any diseases.
Della Allen knows how important for every member of her family, two legged or four. "I have two little kids too," she said. "So, I don't need those bugs in my house."
Remember to check with your local veterinarian for the best treatment.
View the original article here
Peak tick season is nearly here—are you ready?
Don't you love the spring? The tulips are blooming, the trees are leafing, and the young ticks are... feeding. OK, that part isn't so great, particularly since cases of tick-borne Lyme disease continue to rise. But you can take steps to minimize your risk.
More than a dozen illnesses are transmitted by ticks in the United States, and Lyme disease is the most common. The infection is carried by blacklegged ticks, which live in wooded, brushy areas. If an infected tick attaches to your skin to feed, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease can get into your body and make you ill.
Most cases of Lyme disease happen in the late spring and summer when young ticks are active and people are spending more time outdoors. Cases have been steadily rising in the United States, tripling from 10,000 reported cases in 1992 to around 30,000 in 2009. The disease is most common in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and North Central states, which account for nearly 95 percent of reported cases.
The good news is that you can take steps to reduce your risk of being bitten by an infected tick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers these tips:
• If you can, avoid areas with ticks, particularly during peak tick season (late spring to early fall). These include wooded and brushy areas with high grasses and leaf litter.
• If spending time in a tick-infested area, wear long sleeves, long pants, and long socks. Also, consider wearing light-colored clothing, which can make ticks easier to see and remove. Tucking your pants into your boots or socks, and your shirt into your pants, can keep ticks on the outside of your clothing.
• Apply an insect repellent with DEET to your clothes or exposed skin. You can also use an insecticide called permethrin on your clothes, but this shouldn't be sprayed on skin.
• After being outdoors, check for ticks, especially in skin folds such as in the armpits, in the groin, and behind the ears. Be sure to check both yourself and your children. Young ticks are tiny—about the size of a poppy seed—so they can be difficult to spot.
• Make sure that ticks are not brought home on clothes. It's a good idea to wash clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat for at least an hour.
• Use tick medicines or collars on cats and dogs. Check pets frequently for ticks.
• Create a tick-safe zone if you live in an area with ticks. Remove leaf litter and brush around your home and at the edges of your lawn. Put wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas, and keep your lawn mowed. Place playground equipment, decks, and patios away from the yard edge and trees. You might also apply a pesticide to your yard. One application at the end of May or beginning of June can reduce tick populations by 68 percent to 100 percent.
A tick usually has to stay attached to your skin for at least 24 hours before there's much risk of it making you ill. The most common symptom is a rash spreading out from the bite, usually after one to two weeks. The rash may look like a bull's eye, and it can become very large (about the size of a dinner plate). But not everyone gets a rash. You may also have flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, chills, fever, headaches, and muscle and joint aches.
Although most people recover from Lyme disease, the infection can cause serious health problems, such as severe joint pain and long-term nerve damage. However, your chances of these problems are low if you're treated early with antibiotics.
Bottom line. As cases of Lyme disease continue to rise, it's important to take precautions to avoid ticks. And if you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms after being in an area with ticks, be sure to see your doctor. Read more on how to safely remove a tick.
View the original article here
More than a dozen illnesses are transmitted by ticks in the United States, and Lyme disease is the most common. The infection is carried by blacklegged ticks, which live in wooded, brushy areas. If an infected tick attaches to your skin to feed, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease can get into your body and make you ill.
Most cases of Lyme disease happen in the late spring and summer when young ticks are active and people are spending more time outdoors. Cases have been steadily rising in the United States, tripling from 10,000 reported cases in 1992 to around 30,000 in 2009. The disease is most common in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and North Central states, which account for nearly 95 percent of reported cases.
The good news is that you can take steps to reduce your risk of being bitten by an infected tick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers these tips:
• If you can, avoid areas with ticks, particularly during peak tick season (late spring to early fall). These include wooded and brushy areas with high grasses and leaf litter.
• If spending time in a tick-infested area, wear long sleeves, long pants, and long socks. Also, consider wearing light-colored clothing, which can make ticks easier to see and remove. Tucking your pants into your boots or socks, and your shirt into your pants, can keep ticks on the outside of your clothing.
• Apply an insect repellent with DEET to your clothes or exposed skin. You can also use an insecticide called permethrin on your clothes, but this shouldn't be sprayed on skin.
• After being outdoors, check for ticks, especially in skin folds such as in the armpits, in the groin, and behind the ears. Be sure to check both yourself and your children. Young ticks are tiny—about the size of a poppy seed—so they can be difficult to spot.
• Make sure that ticks are not brought home on clothes. It's a good idea to wash clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat for at least an hour.
• Use tick medicines or collars on cats and dogs. Check pets frequently for ticks.
• Create a tick-safe zone if you live in an area with ticks. Remove leaf litter and brush around your home and at the edges of your lawn. Put wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas, and keep your lawn mowed. Place playground equipment, decks, and patios away from the yard edge and trees. You might also apply a pesticide to your yard. One application at the end of May or beginning of June can reduce tick populations by 68 percent to 100 percent.
A tick usually has to stay attached to your skin for at least 24 hours before there's much risk of it making you ill. The most common symptom is a rash spreading out from the bite, usually after one to two weeks. The rash may look like a bull's eye, and it can become very large (about the size of a dinner plate). But not everyone gets a rash. You may also have flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, chills, fever, headaches, and muscle and joint aches.
Although most people recover from Lyme disease, the infection can cause serious health problems, such as severe joint pain and long-term nerve damage. However, your chances of these problems are low if you're treated early with antibiotics.
Bottom line. As cases of Lyme disease continue to rise, it's important to take precautions to avoid ticks. And if you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms after being in an area with ticks, be sure to see your doctor. Read more on how to safely remove a tick.
View the original article here
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Five Valuable Strategies to Prevent Lyme Ailment
Lyme disease is gradually becoming a serious illness because of the broad outbreak of several kinds of ticks which spread the virus. Prevention is better than cure in this instance, and appropriate preventive care should be paid attention to.
Get rid of ticks the correct way
Lyme disease is basically a skin disorder which is spread when ticks attack your epidermis. If you happen to discover ticks on the skin, the preferred approach to get rid of them is to use tweezers. Do not flush them off because they can latch on to other areas of your skin.
One way of removing ticks is through rubbing alcohol on the area that's been infected. The alcohol helps to kill germs and bacteria while eradicating the tick at the same time. If you fail to eliminate the ticks from your epidermis properly, you might risk the tick injecting it's poison into your blood, thus scattering the virus into your entire body.
Assess your own pets frequently
One sure approach to contract Lyme disease is by contact with ticks from your domestic dogs and cats. While Lyme disease used to be confined to limited types of ticks, modern times have verified that common ticks found on pets may be carriers of this specific disorder.
Thus, as a safety measure and as a general health care rule for domestic pets, have them frequently checked for ticks. Additionally, you may use tick-free wash to your dogs and cats when you are providing them with a shower because this will assist to repel ticks from attacking and affixing to your dogs and cats.
Lessen exposed skin areas
When walking through woods and areas having tall grass, you should tuck in your clothing. This minimizes the uncovered parts of your body and works as an efficient prevention method by keeping ticks from securing on top of you.
You could also buy protective gear such as safety gloves and knee-length socks if you're venturing into locations that are humid, moist and grassy. Ticks have a predilection for creeping into the parts between clothes, which makes it much more important to tuck in your clothes to stop this from occurring.
Dress appropriately
Dressing appropriately for the activities in which you're engaged will go a long way in protecting you against Lyme disease. Prior to getting into grassy or woody areas that are filled with ticks, put on knee-length footwear and long-sleeved tshirts. Also wear light-colored outfits as this makes it easier for you to see any ticks that may have latched onto your garments.
Use insect repellant
Prevention is always better than the cure. Rather than waiting to have bitten before you take action, stay protected against the onset of Lyme disease by applying insect repellant before you go into places which are potential reproduction grounds for ticks and Lyme disease.
If you're pretty certain that you're going to be spending long periods of time outdoors in the woods or in places that are moist and humid, be sure to apply a sufficient layer of bug repellant to your skin and everywhere else that is exposed to the environment and potential attack by ticks.
View the original article here
Get rid of ticks the correct way
Lyme disease is basically a skin disorder which is spread when ticks attack your epidermis. If you happen to discover ticks on the skin, the preferred approach to get rid of them is to use tweezers. Do not flush them off because they can latch on to other areas of your skin.
One way of removing ticks is through rubbing alcohol on the area that's been infected. The alcohol helps to kill germs and bacteria while eradicating the tick at the same time. If you fail to eliminate the ticks from your epidermis properly, you might risk the tick injecting it's poison into your blood, thus scattering the virus into your entire body.
Assess your own pets frequently
One sure approach to contract Lyme disease is by contact with ticks from your domestic dogs and cats. While Lyme disease used to be confined to limited types of ticks, modern times have verified that common ticks found on pets may be carriers of this specific disorder.
Thus, as a safety measure and as a general health care rule for domestic pets, have them frequently checked for ticks. Additionally, you may use tick-free wash to your dogs and cats when you are providing them with a shower because this will assist to repel ticks from attacking and affixing to your dogs and cats.
Lessen exposed skin areas
When walking through woods and areas having tall grass, you should tuck in your clothing. This minimizes the uncovered parts of your body and works as an efficient prevention method by keeping ticks from securing on top of you.
You could also buy protective gear such as safety gloves and knee-length socks if you're venturing into locations that are humid, moist and grassy. Ticks have a predilection for creeping into the parts between clothes, which makes it much more important to tuck in your clothes to stop this from occurring.
Dress appropriately
Dressing appropriately for the activities in which you're engaged will go a long way in protecting you against Lyme disease. Prior to getting into grassy or woody areas that are filled with ticks, put on knee-length footwear and long-sleeved tshirts. Also wear light-colored outfits as this makes it easier for you to see any ticks that may have latched onto your garments.
Use insect repellant
Prevention is always better than the cure. Rather than waiting to have bitten before you take action, stay protected against the onset of Lyme disease by applying insect repellant before you go into places which are potential reproduction grounds for ticks and Lyme disease.
If you're pretty certain that you're going to be spending long periods of time outdoors in the woods or in places that are moist and humid, be sure to apply a sufficient layer of bug repellant to your skin and everywhere else that is exposed to the environment and potential attack by ticks.
View the original article here
Tick Control in a House
Ticks Found across the United States, ticks can be so small they are barely visible or large enough to be intimidating to remove. These eight-legged parasites feed on blood and often hitch a ride into a home on the family pet. Once they have eaten their fill, ticks drop off your pet inside your home, where they breed and lay eggs.
The next time the ticks need a meal, they might bite you or one of your family members.IssuesYou can't ignore ticks inside your home. Tick bites don't drain you of serious amounts of blood, but they can become infected. Worse, they can spread diseases like Lyme disease. Waiting ticks out doesn't work because a tick can survive going a year without feeding on blood.
A female tick can lay 5,000 eggs during her lifetime, so your tick problem can become much worse if you do not handle it right away.RemovalTicks are usually concentrated in areas where your pets sleep and play. Vacuum those areas thoroughly and daily. Make sure to pay special attention to areas where carpets meet walls and any nearby furniture. While you work, wear white socks. This will make it easy to spot any ticks that crawl on you.
Wash your pets with tick-killing shampoo. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth into cracks and crevices of your home. This naturally occurring powder kills ticks on contact.ConsiderationsTo keep ticks out of your home in the first place, check your pets before letting them back inside. Comb their fur and feel their skin with your fingers to check for the tell-tale bump of a feeding tick. Place a few drops of palmarosa essential oil on your pet's fabric collar to create a naturally tick-repellent collar. Remember when bathing your pet to use shampoo specially formulated for dogs or cats; using the type for wrong species can make your pet seriously ill.
View the original article here
The next time the ticks need a meal, they might bite you or one of your family members.IssuesYou can't ignore ticks inside your home. Tick bites don't drain you of serious amounts of blood, but they can become infected. Worse, they can spread diseases like Lyme disease. Waiting ticks out doesn't work because a tick can survive going a year without feeding on blood.
A female tick can lay 5,000 eggs during her lifetime, so your tick problem can become much worse if you do not handle it right away.RemovalTicks are usually concentrated in areas where your pets sleep and play. Vacuum those areas thoroughly and daily. Make sure to pay special attention to areas where carpets meet walls and any nearby furniture. While you work, wear white socks. This will make it easy to spot any ticks that crawl on you.
Wash your pets with tick-killing shampoo. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth into cracks and crevices of your home. This naturally occurring powder kills ticks on contact.ConsiderationsTo keep ticks out of your home in the first place, check your pets before letting them back inside. Comb their fur and feel their skin with your fingers to check for the tell-tale bump of a feeding tick. Place a few drops of palmarosa essential oil on your pet's fabric collar to create a naturally tick-repellent collar. Remember when bathing your pet to use shampoo specially formulated for dogs or cats; using the type for wrong species can make your pet seriously ill.
View the original article here
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Signs And Symptoms Of Lupus Erythematosus
In this article we will talk about everything there is to recognise with regards to Canine Lupus including the causes and signs and sensations or changes of the disease.
This condition is once in a while referred to by it’s scientific name Lupus Erythematosus.There are actually two forms of this impairment of normal physiological function one of which is more mutual in sure dog breeds.
One is referred to as Canine Discoid Lupus (CDL) and the other Canine Systemic (CSL)The disease is caused when the antibodies that are supposed to protect your dog get started to attack the body tissue. It is not a very mutual impairment of normal physiological function and is comparatively rare.CDL is more mutual in Huskys,
Collies, Sheepdogs, German Shepherds and also Pointers. CDL is the more mutual form of the two varieties.CDL will ofttimes display sensations or changes around the nose and face as this is where this potpourri is prone to attack.The disease will also begin attacking your dogs critical organs including the Liver,
Heart, Kidneys, areas of Skin, the Joints and even the Lungs – this is why the disease is so dangerous and needs treatment for the duration of the very early stages.
Symptoms may include
You may detect that your dog starts to lose areas of fur.Your dog may create crusty skin that likewise gives rise to lesions in specific areasAs the sickness likewise affects the joints it may cause your dog to become lame due to the onset of ArthritisYou may observe that your dog becomes more tired after exercise or tired and lethargic generally.Your pooch may likewise invent pale gums – this is a sign that your pooch has devised
Anemia.The nasal cavity may get started to scar due to the disease.If the Kidneys have been directly affected you may observe that your dog starts to drink more water and urinate more often.Your dog may start out to suffer with aching muscles that are likewise painful.
Canine Lupus is a severe impairment of normal physiological function that needs treatment as soon as you observe any of the above symptoms.
View the original article here
This condition is once in a while referred to by it’s scientific name Lupus Erythematosus.There are actually two forms of this impairment of normal physiological function one of which is more mutual in sure dog breeds.
One is referred to as Canine Discoid Lupus (CDL) and the other Canine Systemic (CSL)The disease is caused when the antibodies that are supposed to protect your dog get started to attack the body tissue. It is not a very mutual impairment of normal physiological function and is comparatively rare.CDL is more mutual in Huskys,
Collies, Sheepdogs, German Shepherds and also Pointers. CDL is the more mutual form of the two varieties.CDL will ofttimes display sensations or changes around the nose and face as this is where this potpourri is prone to attack.The disease will also begin attacking your dogs critical organs including the Liver,
Heart, Kidneys, areas of Skin, the Joints and even the Lungs – this is why the disease is so dangerous and needs treatment for the duration of the very early stages.
Symptoms may include
You may detect that your dog starts to lose areas of fur.Your dog may create crusty skin that likewise gives rise to lesions in specific areasAs the sickness likewise affects the joints it may cause your dog to become lame due to the onset of ArthritisYou may observe that your dog becomes more tired after exercise or tired and lethargic generally.Your pooch may likewise invent pale gums – this is a sign that your pooch has devised
Anemia.The nasal cavity may get started to scar due to the disease.If the Kidneys have been directly affected you may observe that your dog starts to drink more water and urinate more often.Your dog may start out to suffer with aching muscles that are likewise painful.
Canine Lupus is a severe impairment of normal physiological function that needs treatment as soon as you observe any of the above symptoms.
View the original article here
Monday, May 23, 2011
How To Diagnose Lupus Disease Dog: Symptoms and Treatment
Lupus disease is an ailment wherein the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. The reason for this is that the immune system mistakes the healthy cells as foreign harmful organisms.
Because the immune system’s antigens readily travel throughout the body, all systems are in danger: nervous system, circulatory system, and others.The immune system does not discriminate between cells so that major organs can easily be targeted: heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.Because lupus attacks different organs and body systems, the symptoms could be different among patients.
Still, the following symptoms may be observed in dogs with lupus: Skin lesions Muscle inflammation Anemia Infections Hair loss or dull hair Inflammation of the heart muscles Anorexia Seizure Fever Increased urination Lethargy.To diagnose lupus, the vet will go through the symptoms, medical history, and make certain clinical tests. These tests include: Complete blood count Immunofluorescence test ,Antinuclear antibody tests,Skin biopsy Urinalysis.
There is no direct treatment for canine lupus. Still, the symptoms can be minimized and the affected organs or systems are treated.Thus, treatment for lupus also varies among individuals.Possible treatments are: Anti-inflammatory medications Antibiotics Topical creams to address skin infections and ailments Vitamin E is often provided to help improve skin and coat conditions.It is also very important that the dog is protected from UV radiation from the sun as this is among the main triggers for the ailment.
View the original article here
Because the immune system’s antigens readily travel throughout the body, all systems are in danger: nervous system, circulatory system, and others.The immune system does not discriminate between cells so that major organs can easily be targeted: heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.Because lupus attacks different organs and body systems, the symptoms could be different among patients.
Still, the following symptoms may be observed in dogs with lupus: Skin lesions Muscle inflammation Anemia Infections Hair loss or dull hair Inflammation of the heart muscles Anorexia Seizure Fever Increased urination Lethargy.To diagnose lupus, the vet will go through the symptoms, medical history, and make certain clinical tests. These tests include: Complete blood count Immunofluorescence test ,Antinuclear antibody tests,Skin biopsy Urinalysis.
There is no direct treatment for canine lupus. Still, the symptoms can be minimized and the affected organs or systems are treated.Thus, treatment for lupus also varies among individuals.Possible treatments are: Anti-inflammatory medications Antibiotics Topical creams to address skin infections and ailments Vitamin E is often provided to help improve skin and coat conditions.It is also very important that the dog is protected from UV radiation from the sun as this is among the main triggers for the ailment.
View the original article here
Lyme Disease in Dogs | Free Dog Health and Veterinary Information!
Oftentimes, it is hard to spot signs of Lyme Disease because most manifestations may signify a variety of different disease conditions. A dog with Lyme Disease often exhibits the following symptoms—lameness, swelling of the affected joints, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph glands.
Lameness can often be mistaken for arthritis however lameness associated with Lyme Disease has a sudden onset and may alternate between one leg to another. Whereas, lameness due to arthritis develop over a considerable period of time and consistently affects a particular joint or joints.
What’s confusing about Lyme Disease is that the symptoms may mysteriously disappear even without treatment only to show up again sometime later. Beware though, for this can mean that the disease may have progressed to a more advanced level.
Major problems associated with Lyme Disease include renal failure as a consequence of a progressive kidney disease. Other major organs can also be affected including the heart and nervous system resulting in serious complications.
Tetracycline or penicillin-based antibiotics are the drugs of choice for Lyme Disease in dogs. Although dogs can recover within two weeks since the start of treatment, antibiotic therapy is usually a long-term regimen reaching thirty days or longer to prevent recurrence.
A good preventive program against Lyme Disease in dogs involve vaccination and tick control. Puppies living in tick-infested areas should be vaccinated at twelve weeks of age followed by another shot three weeks after and yearly boosters.
Tick control can be done by applying topical tick medication once a month and never allowing your dogs to wander around the bushes and grassy areas where ticks wait to cling to passing dogs.
View the original article here
Lameness can often be mistaken for arthritis however lameness associated with Lyme Disease has a sudden onset and may alternate between one leg to another. Whereas, lameness due to arthritis develop over a considerable period of time and consistently affects a particular joint or joints.
What’s confusing about Lyme Disease is that the symptoms may mysteriously disappear even without treatment only to show up again sometime later. Beware though, for this can mean that the disease may have progressed to a more advanced level.
Major problems associated with Lyme Disease include renal failure as a consequence of a progressive kidney disease. Other major organs can also be affected including the heart and nervous system resulting in serious complications.
Tetracycline or penicillin-based antibiotics are the drugs of choice for Lyme Disease in dogs. Although dogs can recover within two weeks since the start of treatment, antibiotic therapy is usually a long-term regimen reaching thirty days or longer to prevent recurrence.
A good preventive program against Lyme Disease in dogs involve vaccination and tick control. Puppies living in tick-infested areas should be vaccinated at twelve weeks of age followed by another shot three weeks after and yearly boosters.
Tick control can be done by applying topical tick medication once a month and never allowing your dogs to wander around the bushes and grassy areas where ticks wait to cling to passing dogs.
View the original article here
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Save A Dog
The ticks are out in full force so I’ve been doing some more research on the best and safest preventive measure against Lyme disease. I’ve come to the conclusion that homeopathic Ledum is the best defense against Lyme disease (for dogs and humans alike). Here’s a FAQ sheet on Lyme prevention.
What is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is caused by infection with a bacterium called a spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) and is transmitted to humans by infected ticks (Ixodes scapularis and I. Pacificus).
Will Frontline prevent Lyme? No. Frontline will not prevent Lyme. It doesn’t repel ticks at all and the tick still delivers the spirochete before it dies.
But why does my vet tell me that Frontline prevents Lyme? In laboratory tests the tick takes 48 hours to infect the dog. The premise is that the tick will die before it has a chance to infect the dog. More proof is coming out that the local ticks deliver the spirochete faster, hence Frontlined dogs are contracting Lyme disease. It makes perfect sense that wild life is more robust in its natural environment than in a laboratory.
It’s too bad it took so long for the medical community to figure that out. Historically, we’ve seen many dogs with Lyme disease who have been Frontlined, both with the Save A Dog volunteer’s dogs as well as our adopter’s dogs. It might be a hard sell to convince some of the high end veterinarians who sell the preventive to let go of that idea or of the revenue.
Is there anything I can put on my dog to keep the ticks off? There are virtually no benign drops or sprays available as most contain pesticides. It is a known fact that pesticides cause cancer. Therefore, in my opinion, using spot-on products is like burning your house down to get rid of ants. Read your ingredients as there are some oils and herbs that will deter ticks.
Is there something I can put in my dog’s food to keep the ticks off? Yes. Garlic and brewer’s yeast is well known as a deterrent to keep the bugs off of dogs. It’s safe and it’s been used for years. You can buy it in a tablet or get it in a powder from most health food stores. http://www.holisticpetinfo.com/conditions/immune_support.htm is a helpful Web site. They also sell Moducare, which is touted by holistic vets as building the immune system against Lyme and other diseases. Astragalus is also well known as a good defense against Lyme disease as it builds up the dog’s defense system against Lyme.
Isn’t garlic toxic to dogs? No, actually it’s onions that are toxic to dogs, but people sometimes confuse garlic and onions. See http://www.examiner.com/pets-in-denver/garlic-for-dogs-friend-or-foe for more information.
What can I put on my lawn that’s safe for dogs? There’s a product called Garlic Barrier that you can spray on your lawn to keep the ticks away. It’s safe for pets. http://www.garlicbarrier.com/ and it’s sold at Home Depot .
What can I give my dog after they’ve been bitten by a tick? A really good defense against Lyme disease is homeopathic Ledum. Homeopathy strengthens the vital force and is very successful at curing diseases of the blood as well as chronic diseases. For a human, take one homeopathic pellet of Ledum 30c twice a day for 2 days following the tick bite. For dogs, give the same dose of Ledum 200c. Since dogs aren’t as able to dissolve a pellet on their tongue, you can dilute it in 4 oz of distilled water, once the pellet dissolves, stir briskly, and give 1cc or several drops on the dog’s tongue. Discard the water after the second day.
What about the homeopathic nosode? The homeopathic nosode made from the Borrelia Bordorferi spirochete has been used successfully to prevent as well as treat lyme disease. It’s wise to use the nosode to prepare yourself or your dog when the ticks are not biting. Separate instructions for its use are available by emailing shirley@saveadog.org. The same nosode can be used in a 200c potency to treat Lyme, but you should work with a homeopath as the dosage needs to be monitored.
What about the lyme vaccine? The lyme vaccine causes heart disease and heart attacks – don’t be fooled into this deadly vaccine as we’ve seen more than a few of lyme-vaccinated dogs whose lives have been cut short as a result of heart disease. The only protects 17-34% of the dogs and is not worth the risk of heart disease and painful arthritis. Your dog will have better protection with a strong immune system. If your dog has already been vaccinated with the lyme vaccine, you can treat them herbally with hawthorne and dandelion. A good product is available at http://www.heartwormfree.com/hawthorn_dandelion.htm .
What if my dog has Lyme disease? If your dog has Lyme disease, you should work with a homeopath as the treatment is individualized depending on a number of things, one being the advancement of the pathology. This will determine the course of action. At the very least, ask for a C6 test so that you can get a baseline of the number of antibodies in the dog’s blood. This will be your yard stick for determining if the disease is progressing or is on its way out of the body.
Dr. Stephen Tobin of Meriden, CT, has successfully treated thousands of lyme-infected dogs and horses. He advises giving the lyme positive dog Ledum 1M three times a day for three days in a row. More information on treating Lyme Disease with homeopathy, read The Homeopathic Treatment of Lyme Disease by Peter Alex.
What about giving Doxycycline? More information is now out there that doxycycline does not stop the disease from progressing. It seems to lower the numbers of antibodies for awhile, but Lyme disease progresses nevertheless. Many homeopaths agree that doxycycline and other antibiotics will prevent the immune system from fighting the disease, so it’s a double-edged sword.
The numbers look good for awhile, but it comes back with a vengeance. I’ve personally seen this over and over with friends and volunteer’s dogs, and with people too. Also, since the lyme spirochete confers no immunity, once a dog has lyme, they can be reinfected every time exposed. Once you treat for lyme, you have to wait six months before having another C6 blood test done.
View the original article here
What is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is caused by infection with a bacterium called a spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) and is transmitted to humans by infected ticks (Ixodes scapularis and I. Pacificus).
Will Frontline prevent Lyme? No. Frontline will not prevent Lyme. It doesn’t repel ticks at all and the tick still delivers the spirochete before it dies.
But why does my vet tell me that Frontline prevents Lyme? In laboratory tests the tick takes 48 hours to infect the dog. The premise is that the tick will die before it has a chance to infect the dog. More proof is coming out that the local ticks deliver the spirochete faster, hence Frontlined dogs are contracting Lyme disease. It makes perfect sense that wild life is more robust in its natural environment than in a laboratory.
It’s too bad it took so long for the medical community to figure that out. Historically, we’ve seen many dogs with Lyme disease who have been Frontlined, both with the Save A Dog volunteer’s dogs as well as our adopter’s dogs. It might be a hard sell to convince some of the high end veterinarians who sell the preventive to let go of that idea or of the revenue.
Is there anything I can put on my dog to keep the ticks off? There are virtually no benign drops or sprays available as most contain pesticides. It is a known fact that pesticides cause cancer. Therefore, in my opinion, using spot-on products is like burning your house down to get rid of ants. Read your ingredients as there are some oils and herbs that will deter ticks.
Is there something I can put in my dog’s food to keep the ticks off? Yes. Garlic and brewer’s yeast is well known as a deterrent to keep the bugs off of dogs. It’s safe and it’s been used for years. You can buy it in a tablet or get it in a powder from most health food stores. http://www.holisticpetinfo.com/conditions/immune_support.htm is a helpful Web site. They also sell Moducare, which is touted by holistic vets as building the immune system against Lyme and other diseases. Astragalus is also well known as a good defense against Lyme disease as it builds up the dog’s defense system against Lyme.
Isn’t garlic toxic to dogs? No, actually it’s onions that are toxic to dogs, but people sometimes confuse garlic and onions. See http://www.examiner.com/pets-in-denver/garlic-for-dogs-friend-or-foe for more information.
What can I put on my lawn that’s safe for dogs? There’s a product called Garlic Barrier that you can spray on your lawn to keep the ticks away. It’s safe for pets. http://www.garlicbarrier.com/ and it’s sold at Home Depot .
What can I give my dog after they’ve been bitten by a tick? A really good defense against Lyme disease is homeopathic Ledum. Homeopathy strengthens the vital force and is very successful at curing diseases of the blood as well as chronic diseases. For a human, take one homeopathic pellet of Ledum 30c twice a day for 2 days following the tick bite. For dogs, give the same dose of Ledum 200c. Since dogs aren’t as able to dissolve a pellet on their tongue, you can dilute it in 4 oz of distilled water, once the pellet dissolves, stir briskly, and give 1cc or several drops on the dog’s tongue. Discard the water after the second day.
What about the homeopathic nosode? The homeopathic nosode made from the Borrelia Bordorferi spirochete has been used successfully to prevent as well as treat lyme disease. It’s wise to use the nosode to prepare yourself or your dog when the ticks are not biting. Separate instructions for its use are available by emailing shirley@saveadog.org. The same nosode can be used in a 200c potency to treat Lyme, but you should work with a homeopath as the dosage needs to be monitored.
What about the lyme vaccine? The lyme vaccine causes heart disease and heart attacks – don’t be fooled into this deadly vaccine as we’ve seen more than a few of lyme-vaccinated dogs whose lives have been cut short as a result of heart disease. The only protects 17-34% of the dogs and is not worth the risk of heart disease and painful arthritis. Your dog will have better protection with a strong immune system. If your dog has already been vaccinated with the lyme vaccine, you can treat them herbally with hawthorne and dandelion. A good product is available at http://www.heartwormfree.com/hawthorn_dandelion.htm .
What if my dog has Lyme disease? If your dog has Lyme disease, you should work with a homeopath as the treatment is individualized depending on a number of things, one being the advancement of the pathology. This will determine the course of action. At the very least, ask for a C6 test so that you can get a baseline of the number of antibodies in the dog’s blood. This will be your yard stick for determining if the disease is progressing or is on its way out of the body.
Dr. Stephen Tobin of Meriden, CT, has successfully treated thousands of lyme-infected dogs and horses. He advises giving the lyme positive dog Ledum 1M three times a day for three days in a row. More information on treating Lyme Disease with homeopathy, read The Homeopathic Treatment of Lyme Disease by Peter Alex.
What about giving Doxycycline? More information is now out there that doxycycline does not stop the disease from progressing. It seems to lower the numbers of antibodies for awhile, but Lyme disease progresses nevertheless. Many homeopaths agree that doxycycline and other antibiotics will prevent the immune system from fighting the disease, so it’s a double-edged sword.
The numbers look good for awhile, but it comes back with a vengeance. I’ve personally seen this over and over with friends and volunteer’s dogs, and with people too. Also, since the lyme spirochete confers no immunity, once a dog has lyme, they can be reinfected every time exposed. Once you treat for lyme, you have to wait six months before having another C6 blood test done.
View the original article here
Treating dogs suffering from Lyme disease
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. The spirochete is acquired with the bite of the infected tick. Lyme disease has become thought to be the most typical tick-borne illness in the Usa.
This ailment was first recognized in 1975, following an episode of what seemed to be acute arthritis in several rural communities in southeastern Connecticut, such as the capital of scotland - Old Lyme. Currently, many instances are located in wooded locations in the Northeast, upper Midwest (including much of Wisconsin and Minnesota), northern California, and also the North american.
The white-footed mouse may be the principal reservoir for that spirochete. Birds may also harbor it. The white-tailed deer props up tick, although not the spirochete. Lyme disease is spread primarily during tick season (May through August), peaking in the month of July, but ticks could be active whenever the temperatures are over 32°F (0°C).
The condition in dogs is most often characterized by the sudden start of lameness. In fact, lameness is usually the only real manifestation of infection. One or more joints can become swollen or painful to touch. Some dogs operate a fever and experience weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite, and weight reduction. The lameness may last just a few days, but in certain cases it might be chronic and persists or recurs for months.
Kidney troubles are the following most typical sign. A severe cardiac syndrome is very rare. These two syndromes are often fatal.
Most dogs subjected to Lyme disease don't get ill. Serological blood tests will indicate whether your dog continues to be subjected to the condition. Dogs might not test positive until a couple weeks after exposure. New serologic tests can separate dogs with vaccine immunity and dogs with natural exposure.
A rising antibody titer in the lack of recent vaccination, however, indicates active infection. Western Blot and ELISA blood tests are actually both accustomed to detect exposure. Many dogs who test positive for Lyme disease can also get other tick-borne diseases, for example ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. X-rays of swollen joints show fluid without degenerative joint changes. Synovial fluid analysis (in which a needle is inserted right into a joint to get rid of fluid for examination) may show spirochetes.
Treatment: Antibiotics receive for any the least 2 to 4 weeks. Amoxicillin and doxycycline are probably the best.
Prevention: Ticks must attach for 5 to twenty hours before they're able to transmitting infection. Accordingly, a regular inspection with elimination of ticks may prevent many dogs from becoming infected.
Tick collars for example Preventic, and tick control on the premises, help lessen the occurrence of Lyme disease. Frontline is really a flea-control preparation that kills ticks for approximately Thirty days carrying out a single application. Advantix is yet another topical product that kills ticks. There's a vaccine to avoid Lyme disease in dogs. It might be advisable for dogs in danger of Lyme disease. Discuss this with your veterinarian.
Public health considerations: Lyme disease is really a severe illness in humans. Dogs don't transmit Lyme disease to humans, whilst they can spread the ticks carrying the spirochete. Ticks may transfer to individuals before feeding on the dog, even though this is not common.
Once a tick starts feeding on the dog, it won't seek another host. Dispose cautiously associated with a ticks you remove from your dog. The best way would be to place them in a jar having a little bit of alcohol, seal the jar, and dispose of it.
View the original article here
This ailment was first recognized in 1975, following an episode of what seemed to be acute arthritis in several rural communities in southeastern Connecticut, such as the capital of scotland - Old Lyme. Currently, many instances are located in wooded locations in the Northeast, upper Midwest (including much of Wisconsin and Minnesota), northern California, and also the North american.
The white-footed mouse may be the principal reservoir for that spirochete. Birds may also harbor it. The white-tailed deer props up tick, although not the spirochete. Lyme disease is spread primarily during tick season (May through August), peaking in the month of July, but ticks could be active whenever the temperatures are over 32°F (0°C).
The condition in dogs is most often characterized by the sudden start of lameness. In fact, lameness is usually the only real manifestation of infection. One or more joints can become swollen or painful to touch. Some dogs operate a fever and experience weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite, and weight reduction. The lameness may last just a few days, but in certain cases it might be chronic and persists or recurs for months.
Kidney troubles are the following most typical sign. A severe cardiac syndrome is very rare. These two syndromes are often fatal.
Most dogs subjected to Lyme disease don't get ill. Serological blood tests will indicate whether your dog continues to be subjected to the condition. Dogs might not test positive until a couple weeks after exposure. New serologic tests can separate dogs with vaccine immunity and dogs with natural exposure.
A rising antibody titer in the lack of recent vaccination, however, indicates active infection. Western Blot and ELISA blood tests are actually both accustomed to detect exposure. Many dogs who test positive for Lyme disease can also get other tick-borne diseases, for example ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. X-rays of swollen joints show fluid without degenerative joint changes. Synovial fluid analysis (in which a needle is inserted right into a joint to get rid of fluid for examination) may show spirochetes.
Treatment: Antibiotics receive for any the least 2 to 4 weeks. Amoxicillin and doxycycline are probably the best.
Prevention: Ticks must attach for 5 to twenty hours before they're able to transmitting infection. Accordingly, a regular inspection with elimination of ticks may prevent many dogs from becoming infected.
Tick collars for example Preventic, and tick control on the premises, help lessen the occurrence of Lyme disease. Frontline is really a flea-control preparation that kills ticks for approximately Thirty days carrying out a single application. Advantix is yet another topical product that kills ticks. There's a vaccine to avoid Lyme disease in dogs. It might be advisable for dogs in danger of Lyme disease. Discuss this with your veterinarian.
Public health considerations: Lyme disease is really a severe illness in humans. Dogs don't transmit Lyme disease to humans, whilst they can spread the ticks carrying the spirochete. Ticks may transfer to individuals before feeding on the dog, even though this is not common.
Once a tick starts feeding on the dog, it won't seek another host. Dispose cautiously associated with a ticks you remove from your dog. The best way would be to place them in a jar having a little bit of alcohol, seal the jar, and dispose of it.
View the original article here
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease in dogs also called Borreliosis is a disease caused in dogs in Europe, North east and pacific regions of northern U.S.A, Asia and Midwest regions of the World. This disease has derived its name from Lyme, Connecticut where in 1975 there was an occurrence of juvenile arthritis caused by tick borne spirochete Borrelia burgdoferi. Learn more about Lyme disease , causes of Lyme disease and symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs here.
Lyme Disease in Dogs:
Lyme disease in dogs is caused by Borrelia burgdoferi which is corkscrew-shaped bacteria, called a spirochete that is transmitted by the lyme disease tick or deer tick, Lyme disease is also transmitted to mammals like humans, dogs, horses by the deer tick. Lyme disease Deer ticks are found in places like woodpiles, yards, roads, and any wooded areas and are most active when temperature crosses 40 degrees.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
When a dog catches Lyme disease in dogs he starts showing symptoms of joint pain which can be easily identified by the change in his walking style and pace. The nervous symptoms are numerous like fatigue, lethargy, abnormal movements, seizures, etc .These symptoms of lyme disease in dogs are very confusing and therefore the diagnosis becomes very difficult and hence the treatment. Thus the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs matches with many common diseased conditions like arthritis, old age etc, in dogs.
Diagnosis of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease in dogs can be diagnosed by step by step lyme disease tests and elimination of other similar problems like inflammatory joint disease, cellulitis and trauma. Blood sample tests are very important and can give confirmed results as the disease is caused by intracellular bacteria.
Treatment of Lyme Disease in Dogs
When it is confirmed that the disease is Lyme disease in dogs then suitable antibiotics and medications are administered to the dog. Generally a course of doxycycline, Rifampacin or tetracycline is administered for four weeks.
Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Immunization is one of the main precautions to be taken to prevent this disease as it can also spread in humans. Immunization with Lyme vaccine has proven records in preventing the disease. As the disease is very painful and can be fatal, prevention becomes very important. Lyme disease is also difficult in diagnosing and hence any symptoms mentioned above should not be taken lightly. If your dog is having any of the matching symptoms do not ignore but contact a good veterinary doctor.
Prevention is always better than cure and therefore some precautions should be taken if you live at a place where deer tick is found. Deer ticks reside in wooden materials, so prevent your dog from going near woodpiles and logs. Dog collar specially having Amitraz on it can be used. Vaccination is one of the most desirable remedies for the prevention of Lyme disease .It should be ensured that your dog gets full course of vaccination at proper intervals and a booster dose in follow up. One of the options is to search and remove deer ticks from your dog’s body by tweezers at regular intervals. This procedure should be done with care and it helps not only to prevent Lyme disease but you can also remove other visible parasites present on your dog.
By knowing the symptoms of Lyme disease you can take a timely action in providing medical help to your dog. As prevention is always better than cure so the proper steps taken on time will ensure that your dear pet does not suffers from Lyme disease.
View the original article here
Lyme Disease in Dogs:
Lyme disease in dogs is caused by Borrelia burgdoferi which is corkscrew-shaped bacteria, called a spirochete that is transmitted by the lyme disease tick or deer tick, Lyme disease is also transmitted to mammals like humans, dogs, horses by the deer tick. Lyme disease Deer ticks are found in places like woodpiles, yards, roads, and any wooded areas and are most active when temperature crosses 40 degrees.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
When a dog catches Lyme disease in dogs he starts showing symptoms of joint pain which can be easily identified by the change in his walking style and pace. The nervous symptoms are numerous like fatigue, lethargy, abnormal movements, seizures, etc .These symptoms of lyme disease in dogs are very confusing and therefore the diagnosis becomes very difficult and hence the treatment. Thus the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs matches with many common diseased conditions like arthritis, old age etc, in dogs.
Diagnosis of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease in dogs can be diagnosed by step by step lyme disease tests and elimination of other similar problems like inflammatory joint disease, cellulitis and trauma. Blood sample tests are very important and can give confirmed results as the disease is caused by intracellular bacteria.
Treatment of Lyme Disease in Dogs
When it is confirmed that the disease is Lyme disease in dogs then suitable antibiotics and medications are administered to the dog. Generally a course of doxycycline, Rifampacin or tetracycline is administered for four weeks.
Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Immunization is one of the main precautions to be taken to prevent this disease as it can also spread in humans. Immunization with Lyme vaccine has proven records in preventing the disease. As the disease is very painful and can be fatal, prevention becomes very important. Lyme disease is also difficult in diagnosing and hence any symptoms mentioned above should not be taken lightly. If your dog is having any of the matching symptoms do not ignore but contact a good veterinary doctor.
Prevention is always better than cure and therefore some precautions should be taken if you live at a place where deer tick is found. Deer ticks reside in wooden materials, so prevent your dog from going near woodpiles and logs. Dog collar specially having Amitraz on it can be used. Vaccination is one of the most desirable remedies for the prevention of Lyme disease .It should be ensured that your dog gets full course of vaccination at proper intervals and a booster dose in follow up. One of the options is to search and remove deer ticks from your dog’s body by tweezers at regular intervals. This procedure should be done with care and it helps not only to prevent Lyme disease but you can also remove other visible parasites present on your dog.
By knowing the symptoms of Lyme disease you can take a timely action in providing medical help to your dog. As prevention is always better than cure so the proper steps taken on time will ensure that your dear pet does not suffers from Lyme disease.
View the original article here
The Facts About Canine Lyme Disease
The first diagnosis of Lyme Disease was made in a resident of Lyme, Connecticut in 1975. Over the decades, the seriousness of this debilitating tick-borne disease has made many people weary of wandering outdoors during seasons when ticks are active. If you live in the Northeast or upper Midwest states, there’s a good chance you know someone who has had a Lyme Disease diagnosis. A decade after being diagnosed in people, Lyme Disease was first recognized as a condition that also affects dogs.
What exactly is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is found in several varieties of ticks, but is mostly associated with the common deer tick. The disease is transmitted when a tick carrying the bacteria bites a dog—or human—and feasts on the host’s blood. It should be noted that not all deer ticks carry the disease, and not all bites from infected deer ticks successfully transmit the disease.
For the bacteria to be passed into a dog, the tick must have been attached to the dog for about 48 hours. So if a tick is removed from a dog shortly after he is bitten, there’s a good chance the dog will not contract the disease. However, deer ticks are extremely tiny and are difficult to see, especially when covered by a dog’s fur. Your vet is trained to spot and remove ticks. If you happen to notice a tick on your dog and want to attempt to remove it, use small tweezers and carefully grasp the tick where it is making contact with the dog’s skin. Then gently lift the tick away. If you suspect that it’s a deer tick, take your dog—and the tick—to the vet for examination.
What are the symptoms?
Lyme Disease isn’t easy to diagnose, especially in senior dogs, because the initial symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, such as arthritis. Lyme Disease symptoms include limping—which can shift from one leg to another—swelling of lymph nodes, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. Initially, the affected dog may simply experience mild joint and muscle discomfort in his limb(s). However, the pain can become severe over time, and multiple joints can be involved Even with treatment, Lyme Disease can cause permanent joint damage. There have also been reports of severe progressive kidney disease linked to Lyme Disease.
Is there treatment for Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is generally treated with antibiotics. In many cases, affected dogs respond well to those meds. However, if treatment is halted too soon, the dog may get a relapse. Even in dogs that show full recovery, the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease may still be present in their bodies, even though the dog no longer displays the symptoms of the disease. Senior dogs with severe cases of arthritis—in addition to Lyme Disease—and those dogs that are severely affected may also be treated with pain relievers.
How can Lyme Disease be prevented?
Since Lyme Disease is serious and can be debilitating, dog owners want to take measures to prevent their pets from contracting the disease. Here are a few things you can do to help minimize your dog’s chance of getting Lyme Disease.
Avoid areas that are likely to be tick infested. During the seasons when ticks are active, try to avoid taking your dog into heavily wooded areas or other places where large deer populations live.Spray your immediate home/lawn area with an appropriate insecticide. If you decide to use an anti-tick spray, make sure it’s safe for dogs.Vaccinate your dog. If you live in a high-risk region, ask your vet about the latest generation of Lyme Disease vaccinations. He may recommend one that he deems effective.Use a topical anti-tick insecticide.
There are currently several brands of topical insecticides on the market. They generally help in two ways:
(1) By repelling ticks, and (2) By killing ticks that manage to attach themselves to dogs. Ask your vet about the brands he recommends. Please note that most flea and tick collars are not effective against the ticks that cause Lyme Disease. Only collars with amitraz have been shown to kill the ticks that spread this disease.
If you live in—or your dog has visited—a Lyme Disease hot spot and suspect that he is suffering from this condition, do not hesitate to take him to the veterinarian for an examination.
View the original article here
What exactly is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is found in several varieties of ticks, but is mostly associated with the common deer tick. The disease is transmitted when a tick carrying the bacteria bites a dog—or human—and feasts on the host’s blood. It should be noted that not all deer ticks carry the disease, and not all bites from infected deer ticks successfully transmit the disease.
For the bacteria to be passed into a dog, the tick must have been attached to the dog for about 48 hours. So if a tick is removed from a dog shortly after he is bitten, there’s a good chance the dog will not contract the disease. However, deer ticks are extremely tiny and are difficult to see, especially when covered by a dog’s fur. Your vet is trained to spot and remove ticks. If you happen to notice a tick on your dog and want to attempt to remove it, use small tweezers and carefully grasp the tick where it is making contact with the dog’s skin. Then gently lift the tick away. If you suspect that it’s a deer tick, take your dog—and the tick—to the vet for examination.
What are the symptoms?
Lyme Disease isn’t easy to diagnose, especially in senior dogs, because the initial symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, such as arthritis. Lyme Disease symptoms include limping—which can shift from one leg to another—swelling of lymph nodes, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever. Initially, the affected dog may simply experience mild joint and muscle discomfort in his limb(s). However, the pain can become severe over time, and multiple joints can be involved Even with treatment, Lyme Disease can cause permanent joint damage. There have also been reports of severe progressive kidney disease linked to Lyme Disease.
Is there treatment for Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is generally treated with antibiotics. In many cases, affected dogs respond well to those meds. However, if treatment is halted too soon, the dog may get a relapse. Even in dogs that show full recovery, the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease may still be present in their bodies, even though the dog no longer displays the symptoms of the disease. Senior dogs with severe cases of arthritis—in addition to Lyme Disease—and those dogs that are severely affected may also be treated with pain relievers.
How can Lyme Disease be prevented?
Since Lyme Disease is serious and can be debilitating, dog owners want to take measures to prevent their pets from contracting the disease. Here are a few things you can do to help minimize your dog’s chance of getting Lyme Disease.
Avoid areas that are likely to be tick infested. During the seasons when ticks are active, try to avoid taking your dog into heavily wooded areas or other places where large deer populations live.Spray your immediate home/lawn area with an appropriate insecticide. If you decide to use an anti-tick spray, make sure it’s safe for dogs.Vaccinate your dog. If you live in a high-risk region, ask your vet about the latest generation of Lyme Disease vaccinations. He may recommend one that he deems effective.Use a topical anti-tick insecticide.
There are currently several brands of topical insecticides on the market. They generally help in two ways:
(1) By repelling ticks, and (2) By killing ticks that manage to attach themselves to dogs. Ask your vet about the brands he recommends. Please note that most flea and tick collars are not effective against the ticks that cause Lyme Disease. Only collars with amitraz have been shown to kill the ticks that spread this disease.
If you live in—or your dog has visited—a Lyme Disease hot spot and suspect that he is suffering from this condition, do not hesitate to take him to the veterinarian for an examination.
View the original article here
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