Can my dog get Lyme disease?

Yes, dogs can become infected by Canine Borreliosis or canine lyme disease (CLD). It is a vector borne disease caused by the spirochete, Borrelis burgdorfiri. CLD is more prevalent in endemic geographic regions in the United States such as: Northeastern-Mid-Atlantic, upper Midwest, and N. California/Oregon.

The Borrelia organisms are transmitted via ticks. The organisms infect the dog through deposition from the tick into the skin during attachment. The infection rate increases with the duration of time the tick is attached (>48hrs).

The major signs of infection in the dog include fever, malaise, joint pain/swelling, and lameness. The incubation period can be 2 to 5 months. Less than 5% of infected dogs will have signs of disease.

Dogs should have a lyme/anaplasma test yearly.Some surveys show up to 50% of dogs may be positive for antibodies in endemic regions. Treatment is recommended in dogs with clinical symptoms or a predispositon for circulating immune complexes . Antibiotics doxycycline and amoxicillan are used for 21-30 days. Dogs respond rapidly to treatment. In one study symptomatic,positive dogs left untreated with antibiotics improved in 3 weeks as well. It is likely that even with treatment the Borrelia remains in the body.We have not yet documented chronic disease from its presence as seen in humans.

Tick prevention is absolutely essential. Topical products, such as Frontline, are very effective and safe. Vaccination is controversial.Vaccine using recombinent technology is best. Our national guidelines consider lyme vaccine non-core for most pets. Vaccination should be used in pets with high risk. Your best defense is TICK CONTROL!!!!