7 Lyme Disease Facts for Pet Owners
WHAT IS IT?
Lyme disease is a disease caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease in people begins with fatigue, headache, and often a characteristic rash. If left untreated, the disease may progress to include cardiac, neurologic and commonly arthritic manifestations. Diseased pets will often only show the arthritic signs, which may occur with fatigue and reluctance to eat.
WHO CAN GET IT?
Lyme disease was initially described in people, but the organism has been found in many wild animals. Horses, cows and cats may harbor the spirochete, but the dog is most commonly infected.
HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?
The disease is transmitted by the bite of a tick. Some biting insects have been found carrying the organism, but they are not considered as major vectors of the disease. There is no evidence that you can get the disease from your pet, but your pet could bring infected ticks into your yard or house. Most of the cases of Lyme disease are reported in the spring to fall, when tick populations are the highest.
WHERE DOES IT OCCUR?
Lyme disease appears to have a worldwide distribution. Cases have been reported in at least 32 of the United States, but 86% of these cases originated in only seven states. The areas with highest activity are the northeastern seaboard, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and northern California. If you reside in or travel to these areas, your pet could be exposed to the disease.
WHAT DOES A POSITIVE TEST MEAN?
A positive antibody test for Lyme disease only shows that your pet has been exposed to the organism at some point in time. It does not mean that your pet is currently infected. Your veterinarian has offered the test to help him evaluate your pet’s clinical signs. Often a diagnosis of Lyme disease cannot be made until he sees the pet’s response to treatment. Many animals that are exposed to the organism may test positive, but never develop signs.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
This disease is readily treated with antibiotics. The earlier in the course of the disease, the better the chances for a complete cure. Your pet may appear well after only a couple of days of medication, but it is important to continue giving the drug for the full time period (10-14 days) or your pet may get sick again.
HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED?
When you and your pet venture into areas that may be infested with ticks, you should take precautions to avoid infection with Lyme disease or other tick-transmitted diseases. Apply repellents to yourself, and regularly use flea and tick insecticides for your pet. Check your pet and yourself for attached ticks, and remove them with tweezers. Do not crush ticks between your fingers, or you may become infected.
