Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease has literally become endemic to our area. Here at the Animal Hospital of Lynnfield we find that about 40% - 60% of all the dogs we test for Lyme Disease are positive for the disease. Cats are, for one reason or another, pretty much unaffected by Lyme Disease and are therefore not tested for the disease.

Lyme Disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorferi, which is transmitted from a deer tick bite. Deer ticks can be differentiated from other ticks by their very small size (as small as a pinhead) and their red coloring and black spot near the head. A deer tick must be attached and have begun taking a blood meal in order for the bacterium to be transmitted to your dog. This is why we HIGHLY recommend some form of tick preventative, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months when ticks are rampant. It is safest to protect your pets all year round. Occasionally in the winter, we have a warm day or two and those ticks wake up looking for a meal. Frontline® by Merial or Advantix by Beyer for dogs only is our tick and flea preventative of choice, and must be applied topically once a month to protect against ticks and fleas. We have seen great success with these products. Also, daily tick checks on your dog are imperative, and can greatly decrease the chances of your dog contracting Lyme Disease. Don't forget that humans are also affected by Lyme Disease, so if you have been walking with your dog in the woods it might not be a bad idea to check yourself thoroughly for ticks as well.

Most dogs infected with Lyme Disease are never symptomatic, meaning they never truly display signs of being infected. However, if your dog is infected with Lyme Disease the most common symptoms are usually arthritic in nature. Soreness of joints, lameness, and fatigue are often the most common symptoms of Lyme Disease. Although, further untreated stages of the disease can result in partial paralysis and kidney disease. Treatment of Lyme Disease usually involves prescribed antibiotics such as Doxycycline or Amoxicillin, both of which have relatively few side affects.

Another efficient way to prevent Lyme Disease from infecting your dog is to vaccinate them against the disease. Vaccination for Lyme Disease should be a part of your puppy's vaccination protocol. It is given after 9 weeks of age , then in 2-3 weeks, and 6 months later. The vaccine is then good for one year, and is boostered annually. There are 2 types of vaccines available, and both have been proven to be protective against the contraction of Lyme Disease.

We are pleased to announce that our annual Heartworm test now includes a test for Lyme Disease, as well as Erlichia, Ecaris and Anaplasmosis the most common tick borne diseases. Therefore by testing your pet annually for heartworm, you will also be screening them for Lyme Disease and Erlichia. If your pet tests positive for Lyme disease, there is a new test called Lyme Quantitative C-6 that can measure how severe the infection is and if your pets needs treatment.

Prevention of this disease is the most important proactive measure you can take. Screening annually, vaccinating your pet, and using monthly flea and tick preventatives are truly the best ways to protect them.

For more information about Lyme Disease click here.