Since it’s Immunization Awareness Month, let’s discuss more about the Lyme Disease vaccination for pets.
Does your pet need the Lyme Disease vaccination? The Lyme vaccine might be a great way to protect your dog. Since it’s Immunization Awareness Month, let’s discuss more about the Lyme Disease vaccination for pets.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease occurs due to an infection with tick-transmitted borrelial pathogens. The bite of Ixodid ticks usually transmits it. The primary vector is Ixodes scapularis (deer or black-legged tick) in the eastern Canadian provinces and the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central United States. This tick is quite common in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, which is why we are considered a high-risk area.
Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Most dogs with Lyme disease are taken to a vet because they appear to experience generalized pain and have stopped eating. These pets often have high fevers or may also begin limping. This painful lameness usually occurs suddenly and might shift from one leg to another. If left untreated, the lameness might eventually disappear, only to happen again weeks or months later.
Non-specific signs of Lyme disease in dogs include:
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
Diagnosis
Even though those with swollen joints, lameness, and fever are suspected to have Lyme disease, other diseases might cause these symptoms, too. A veterinarian does an antibody test using a special test kit. This examination detects the presence of antibodies created by exposure to the organism. Because this test is a qualitative test that looks for the presence of antibodies, further testing is required to determine if an active infection is present. A quantitative antibody test called Quant C6® will measure the level of antibodies to determine if your dog has an active infection and requires treatment. In addition, general blood and urine exams are done to examine kidney function and check for protein loss in the urine.
Treatment
Since the Lyme spirochete is a bacterium, it may be treated with antibiotics. The treatment usually lasts four weeks and includes doxycycline or another similar antibiotic. If your pet is experiencing pain related to the disease, anti-inflammatory pain medication usually in the form of an NSAID can be prescribed. Prognosis
The prognosis for canines with Lyme disease depends on various factors, including the disease’s stage and whether the dog is treated with antibiotics. Most dogs positive for Lyme will not become sick. Most dogs who are experiencing mild symptoms respond within a day or two of starting. Left untreated, Lyme disease may progress into a condition called Lyme nephritis. Symptoms of Lyme nephritis is more severe than a normal Lyme infection and can include vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, increased drinking and urinating, and severe lethargy. When a dog develops Lyme nephritis, the kidneys are affected and can have permanent damage. Therefore, the prognosis becomes more guarded than a typical mild infection.
Why Pet Owners Should Vaccinate Their Pets
Dogs that spend a lot of time outside in endemic regions will most likely benefit from the Lyme Disease vaccination. Maryland and Pennsylvania are both considered endemic regions, so pets in our area should be vaccinated. Due to the prevalence of ticks in our area, even your backyard can expose your dog to the Lyme-carrying parasites. The vaccination should accompany an oral preventative such as Bravecto to best prevent disease transmission.
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook