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.


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