Lyme disease, caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, is an infectious tick-borne disease that causes symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis in dogs and humans. In rare instances, it can cause neurological disorders.
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Causes
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Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by a deer tick that was infected after biting an infected white-footed mouse. Present in all 50 states, 85 percent of cases originate in the Northeastern states, including Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and California.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of infection include high fever, joint inflammation, lameness, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, inflammation of the heart, kidney disease, and in rare circumstances, neurological disorders.
Neurological Complications
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The most prevalent neurological complications include numbness, weakness, paralysis, stiff neck, severe headaches, and meningitis.
Treatment
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Lyme disease is treated with a three to four week course of antibiotics, along with medications to relieve symptoms. Improvement usually occurs within a few days of beginning treatment. However, the disease may recur and require further antibiotic treatment. Left untreated, it can be fatal.
Prevention
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A vaccine is available to prevent infection. It is recommended for any dog that may come into contact with deer ticks. Be sure to examine your dog after he has been outside in order to detect and immediately remove any ticks. The tick must be attached to the dog for around 48 hours before infection can occur. Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention tips and medications.
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