Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by ticks. Although Lyme disease is commonly recognized in humans, it also poses a serious health threat to dogs, especially in areas where ticks are present in large numbers, such as the Lublin region. At our Szmaragdowa Veterinary Clinic, we offer comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme disease in dogs, taking care of your pet’s health.
Causes of Lyme disease in dogs
Lyme disease is a bacterial disease transmitted by ticks, especially those of the Ixodes species (most commonly Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes ricinus). When a tick infected with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium bites a dog, the bacteria enter the bloodstream and can cause infection.
Ticks infected with Borrelia bacteria usually go through a red phase, followed by a larval and nymphal stage, during which they can infect dogs at different stages of their life. When a tick is removed from a dog’s body, infection does not always occur, but if an infection is present, it can lead to serious symptoms. The symptom of migratory erythema is very rarely seen in dogs!
Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs
Lyme disease can have various clinical forms, and the symptoms are often subtle or may resemble other diseases. In some dogs, the infection may be asymptomatic, while others may experience serious health problems.
The most common symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include:
● Joint pain and arthritis – This is the most common symptom of Lyme disease. Dogs may show lameness and stiffness, especially after prolonged rest. Symptoms usually appear several weeks or years after the tick bite.
● Fever – Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi can lead to elevated body temperature.
● Decreased appetite – The infection can cause weakness, resulting in loss of appetite.
● Kidney dysfunction – Less common but serious symptoms of Lyme disease include kidney damage leading to kidney failure.
● Weakness and lethargy – Dogs infected with Borrelia may show signs of general weakness and apathy, especially in combination with other infections.
It is important to remember that symptoms may appear several weeks or years after a tick bite, making it difficult to diagnose the disease quickly.
Diagnosis of Lyme disease in dogs
At our clinic, we use advanced diagnostic methods that allow for quick and accurate diagnosis of Lyme disease in dogs.
The diagnostic process includes:
- Clinical history and evaluation of symptoms: The initial diagnosis is based on a detailed interview with the owner and an evaluation of clinical symptoms. It is important to note the presence of ticks or previous tick bites, as well as any symptoms of the disease.
- Serological tests: The diagnosis of Lyme disease is mainly based on serological tests that detect the presence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi. The most commonly performed tests are ELISA and Western blot, which allow the detection of the dog’s immune response to the infection. A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies, but does not always mean an active infection. For this reason, these results should be interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms and medical history.
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction): The PCR test detects genetic material from Borrelia burgdorferi in a blood sample, urine, or other biological materials. This is a more precise diagnostic method that can detect an active infection.
- Additional tests: If complications such as kidney inflammation are suspected, additional tests such as a complete blood count, biochemistry, urine analysis, or imaging (ultrasound, X-ray) may be necessary to assess the dog’s health.
Treatment of Lyme disease in dogs
Treatment of Lyme disease in dogs is usually pharmacological and involves the use of antibiotics that fight Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Treatment of Lyme disease includes:
- Antibiotic therapy: The basis of treatment is the use of antibiotics, most commonly doxycycline or amoxicillin, for a period of 3-4 weeks. These antibiotics effectively eliminate the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.
- Symptomatic treatment: For dogs that show signs of arthritis, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are used to help relieve pain and inflammation in the joints.
- Supportive treatment: In cases of kidney damage, supportive treatment such as hydration, a diet to support kidney function, and monitoring of kidney parameters may be necessary.
- Health monitoring: After treatment, it is important to monitor your dog’s health regularly, especially in cases where Lyme disease leads to complications such as arthritis or kidney damage.
Prevention of Lyme disease in dogs
- At our clinic, we place great emphasis on the prevention of Lyme disease. Preventing Borrelia burgdorferi infection is crucial, especially in areas with a high number of ticks. The most important methods of prevention include:
- Use of tick repellents: Regular use of tick repellents (spot-on treatments, collars, tablets, and injections) can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites and Lyme disease infection.
- Checking for ticks: After walks in areas with a high number of ticks, it is advisable to check your dog’s coat thoroughly for ticks and remove them as soon as possible.
- Lyme disease vaccination: In some cases, especially in areas with a high risk of infection, you may consider vaccinating your dog against Lyme disease. The vaccine can help reduce the risk of developing the disease, but it does not completely eliminate the possibility of infection.
Lyme disease is a serious health threat to dogs, especially in regions with large tick populations. At our clinic, we offer comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this disease. Early detection of Lyme disease and appropriate treatment can prevent serious health complications in your dog. If you notice symptoms that may suggest Lyme disease in your pet, please contact us to schedule an appointment and have the necessary tests performed.
