Lyme Education & Prevention
Source: DePorre Veterinary Hospital July 2024 Newsletter
Quick Lyme Disease Facts:
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread through the bite of blacklegged ticks (CDC.gov)
Most dogs affected with Borrelia, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, will appear healthy. In dogs that become symptomatic, the symptoms typically appear around 2-5 months after exposure. (Virginia Tech University)
Lyme disease symptoms include swollen joints and lymph nodes, decreased appetite and activity level, fever, and limping that changes from leg to leg.
Lyme disease can cause damage to the nervous system, heart, and kidneys, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Ticks' ideal habitats include forests, grassy, wooded, marshy terrain, and areas near water, including sandy beaches. (AVMA)
Treatment for sick dogs includes a 30-day course of antibiotics and may depend on the severity of symptoms, the stage of the disease, and the pet's overall health.
Lyme disease is detected by taking a blood sample to measure the level of antibodies present. For the most accurate results, the test should be performed at least 4-6 weeks after the tick bite.
What You Can Do To Protect Your Dog:
Use year-round flea and tick preventatives like Credelio or Simparica Trio, which begin killing ticks within 4 to 8 hours respectively.
Perform tick checks, especially in the spring to fall months after your pet has been outside.
Make your yard uninviting to tick by mowing grass frequently and removing brush.
Discuss if the Lyme vaccination, which we carry at DePorre, may be beneficial for your dog with one of our veterinarians. You may want to consider the Lyme vaccination if:
You reside where ticks are found, such as heavily wooded land or near bodies of water.
You take your dog to areas where ticks are, including hunting, campgrounds, and beaches.
You have difficulty remembering to give monthly flea and tick preventative on time. (No judgment! The vaccination can provide additional protection during a lapse in doses).
What To Do If You Find A Tick On Your Pet
If you feel comfortable removing the tick yourself, you can do so by following these instructions from the AKC. We are also more than happy to remove the tick in the clinic- give us a call so we can determine the best time for you to bring your pet in.
Consider collecting the tick in a jar or zip-lock bag and bringing it to the clinic. We can submit it to MSU for testing to determine if the tick carried Borrelia, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Follow up with one of our veterinarians to see if blood work or a further exam is recommended.
We hope this information has helped deepen your understanding and awareness of Lyme disease and how to protect your pets. Remember, their well-being is our top priority. Look forward to our next issue for more updates and information. Until then, may your days be filled with wagging tails and purrs of joy!
