Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that can affect both humans and animals. It is spread by certain species of ticks and can lead to potentially dangerous symptoms.
Causes of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is rare in cats but relatively common in dogs. It is transmitted through the bite of a tick infected with the borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. When a pet is bitten, bacteria enter the bloodstream and travels to different areas of the body. Deer ticks (black-legged ticks) are known to transmit Lyme disease. This species of tick is found throughout the US and thrives in woodland, long grass, and areas of dense vegetation.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Pets with Lyme disease should be treated as soon as possible to prevent serious health complications such as kidney failure and nervous system dysfunction. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs of Lyme disease.
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Stiffness
- Lameness
- Joint pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
Your veterinarian will ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of your pet’s symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination to check for clinical signs of Lyme disease such as swollen and painful joints.
Diagnostic tests such as a urinalysis, bloodwork, fecal tests, and X-rays may also be recommended to rule out other underlying causes of your pet’s symptoms.
In addition, specialized tests are available to identify Lyme disease. The C6 test detects antibodies against the C6 protein in borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. By comparison, the QC6 test measures the level of antibodies in the blood. These two tests are often used in combination to diagnose Lyme disease and help your veterinarian decide if treatment is necessary.
Treatment of Lyme Disease
In some cases, your veterinarian may decide that your pet’s symptoms are too mild to warrant treatment. However, most pets with Lyme disease are treated with a course of antibiotics for a period of at least 30 days.
Anti-inflammatories and painkillers are usually prescribed to help manage your pet’s symptoms. It is important to monitor your pet closely during recovery and follow your veterinarian’s treatment advice closely.
Prevention of Lyme Disease
There are several measures you can take to minimize the risk of your pet contracting Lyme disease. First, make sure to check your pet regularly for ticks, especially after they’ve been outdoors. If you do find a tick, remove it immediately with a specialized tick-removal tool.
It’s also important to speak with your veterinarian about treating your pet with tick preventatives and vaccinating them against the borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. Finally, please schedule regular appointments with your veterinarian so your pet can be screened for ticks.
