LYME DISEASE, also known as Borreliosis is an infectious bacterial disease that mainly effects Joints and Urinary system.
Unfortunately both human and pets especially dogs can be a victim for the infection. Cats are also susceptible to infection but dog cases are more seen than cats, the reason could be being outside living environment, chances for exposure becomes more.
Infection is mainly transmitted through tick bites. The causative organism can multiply in the tick body, enters the pet body through tick bite or attachments. Initially replicates locally in skin at tick bite site then moves from there to other tissues of the body.
Some pets may show clinical signs but some may not show signs and may become carrier for the infection and pet owners may get infection from contaminated environment.
Pets showing clinical signs may suffer from Lyme Arthritis. May have fever and sore, swollen and painful joints. Lymph nodes may be enlarged in effected cases.
Some may show other signs like renal failure, ascities, respiratory signs, hypertension and / or eye problems
Problem can be diagnosed by laboratory diagnostics including CBC, Chemistry and Snap test for Lyme disease. Radiographs of effected joints can be taken to rule out other causes of arthritis.
Urinalysis is recommended in all Lyme positive cases along with proteinuria test.
Cases can be treated by running antibiotics course. Some cases give good response to antibiotic but renal effected pets may not respond well. Some cases may need long term antibiotic combination treatment along with supportive care especially for renal issues.
Although some vaccines are available in the market but tick prevention and control are the key things that play a role in disease prevention. Public health issue or aspect of Lyme disease should be kept in mind as the problem is ZOONOTIC in nature
Risks Associated with Vaccines
In general vaccines are safe but still some pets can show allergic reaction to certain part of vaccines, though chances are rare and generally are mild, of short duration and can resolve by their own. Call your veterinarian if you noticed any serious side effect or allergic reaction. Symptoms may include Vomiting, Diarrhea, Facial swelling, Severe scratching, Hives or Difficult breathing. Mild lethargy after vaccines is a normal and does not require any treatment, generally subsides in 24-48 hours. Never use human pain killers as some of them are highly TOXIC for pets.
PREVENTIVE CURE is highly recommended to avoid serious and complicated problems and includes regular updates on vaccines, de-worming on regular basis, regular Wellness Exams 1-2/year, dental care, weight management and Flea/Heartworm/Tick prevention. Please feel free to call at clinic number if you have any questions regarding health care issues for your pets.
Rivard Animal Hospital 5635 Tecumseh Rd East, Windsor, Ontario, N8T 1C8:
(519) 974-7387 www.rivardanimalhospital.com, www.facebook.com/rivardanimalhospital
