References. Dogs who have contracted Lyme disease do not develop prolonged, protective immunity and can be reinfected at a later date. If you live in an area where Lyme disease is uncommon, the vaccine is probably unnecessary. The pattern of antibodies to the different Osp antigens determines early or chronic infection. Non-vaccinated animals usually have low values for antibodies to OspA, while vaccinated animals develop these antibodies. Your veterinarian will observe your animal in order to confirm clinical signs of disease. After that time, typical symptoms include: Recurrent lameness also is possible, and the involved extremity may be tender. If your veterinarian does recommend that your dog be vaccinated against Lyme disease, the typical protocol will involve an initial vaccination followed by a booster 2-4 weeks later and annual boosters after that. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Download for tips on how to be the best dog owner you can be. Lyme disease is a reportable disease which means that health care providers and laboratories that diagnose cases of laboratory-confirmed Lyme disease are required to report those cases to their local or state health departments, which in turn report the cases to the CDC. It can also be indicated to switch to another antibiotic. Speak with your veterinarian about what tick preventive product is right for your pet. Doxycycline is the most common antibiotic that is prescribed for Lyme disease, but other antibiotics are also effective. Treatment of Lyme Disease Early diagnosis and proper antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease is important and can help prevent late Lyme disease. Serious cardiac and neurological effects can also occur. 9:00am-1:00pm, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island, Submission Guidelines for SARS-CoV-2 Testing, Improving the health of animals, animal populations and wildlife. Sometimes, dogs and people can become sick with co-infection of multiple tick-borne diseases, where more than one type of disease-causing bacteria is transmitted through a tick bite. Antibody amounts and duration of vaccine antibodies can vary in individuals. However, the great majority of Lyme disease transmissions are due to the bite of a very tiny tick commonly called the deer tick, or black-legged tick. However, they should have dropped by about 40% of the original positive value(s). Pain medications may be recommended as needed. Swollen joints Joint pain While walking, the affected dog is likely to experience arched back or stiffness Fever Reduced energy level or depression Loss of appetite Lymph nodes that are swollen Book an online vet Available now on Apple and Play stores. The best way to protect pets from Lyme disease is to take preventive measures to reduce the chance of contracting the disease. (469) 733-1890. After that time, typical symptoms include: Recurrent lameness also is possible, and the involved extremity may be tender. 1 The disease name comes from Old Lyme, Connecticut, where the disease was recognized in children in 1976. If the tick was found on the animal it can be sent in for B. burgdorferi PCR. A yearly check of the OspA titer is recommended for a vaccinated animal to ensure that the animal responded with high OspA antibodies to vaccination. For many dogs, Lyme disease . For more help from our Veterinary co-author, including how to reduce the risk of your dog getting Lyme disease, read on! % of people told us that this article helped them. If your dog has been diagnosed with Lyme disease you should speak with your trusted veterinarian to come up with a treatment plan that suits your dog. Typically, your vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat your dog's Lyme disease. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. Antibiotics usually provide effective treatment for Lyme disease. Potentiated amoxicillin may be more expensive than other Lyme disease treatment medications. These signs typically occur at the chronic disease stage and as early as 2-5 months after infections, although it is possible for signs to develop much later. Pain medications should also be given to help with joint discomfort. Littman MP, et al. Lyme disease, or borreliosis, is caused by spirochetal bacteria from the genus Borrelia, which has 52 known species. fever. What is Lyme disease in dogs? This often resolves symptoms quickly, but in some cases, the infection will persist and prolonged medication may be needed. PCR for Anaplasma can be performed simultaneously if requested. Deer tick or otherwise known as the black-legged tick is the prevalent type of tick carrying Lyme disease. The Lyme Multiplex assay detects total antibody levels. When a dog or person brushes against a bush, for example, the tick quickly grabs on and then crawls to find a place to bite. If your pet has been diagnosed with uncomplicated Lyme disease, this is what you can expect to happen at your veterinarians office. Symptomatically, Lyme disease can be difficult to distinguish from anaplasmosis because the signs of the diseases are very similar, and they occur in essentially the same areas of the country. It also activates the immune system and can help treat joints, wounds, and ligament issues in dogs. The relative increase of antibodies in CSF can indicate local production of antibodies in the CNS. Only 5-10% of infected animals are expected to show clinical signs of Lyme disease. Dogs can display several forms of Lyme disease, but the most common symptoms are lameness, swollen lymph nodes, joint swelling, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The first-line standard of care treatment for adults with Lyme disease is doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic. The CDC maintains a map detailing confirmed cases of Lyme disease throughout the years. This course will likely last for four weeks or longer. Consult your veterinarian to see if the vaccination makes sense for your pets. Treatment Options Medication: Doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice for treating Lyme disease. Ticks can also carry several other less common butseriousbacterial diseases affecting dogs, includinganaplasmosisandbabesiosis. If the antibiotic is prescribed in a liquid or injectable form, make sure your vet gives you clear instructions and a demonstration of how to give it. If the tick was infected, early treatment can be considered. How to Keep Large Dogs Healthy at Every Life Stage. 1 The causative . headache. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Because people and their pets often spend time in the same environments where Lyme and other disease-transmitting ticks are found, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are working together to offer advice to households with both children and pets. Within the U.S., it appears primarily in specific areas including the southern New England states; eastern Mid-Atlantic states; the upper Midwest, particularly Wisconsin and Minnesota; and on the West Coast, particularly northern California. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. Antibodies recognize and bind to the bacteria and help to eliminate the infection. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. If it's not treated, Lyme disease can spread and cause infection in the brain or the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningo-encephalitis) or around the heart ( endocarditis, myocarditis or pericarditis ). If your dog has a positive Lyme test but no symptoms of the disease or protein in the urine, ask your veterinarian why he or she is recommending treatment. In this case, the treatment will likely prevent establishment of persistent infection. Median Fluorescent Intensity; The Lyme multiplex assay is based on fluorescent detection technology. However, infected animals can still be identified based on OspF antibody values. If necessary, pain medication may also be prescribed. Antibiotics are generally prescribed for 4 weeks. It does not directly influence antibody titers. How Long Do Flea and Tick Medications Take to Work on Dogs? OspA antibodies have been shown to protect from infection with B. burgdorferi. These usually include doxycycline for adults and children older than 8, or amoxicillin or cefuroxime for adults, younger children, and pregnant or breast-feeding women. In fact, because people and their pets often can be found together outdoors as well as indoors, a Lyme disease diagnosis in any family member whether human or non-human should serve as a flag that all family members might consult their physicians and veterinarians, who can advise about further evaluation or testing. The best way to prevent Lyme disease and tick bites on dogs is to have your dog vaccinated as well as use a monthly flea and tick repellent. Vets use a combination of clinical signs, medical history, and diagnostic tests to diagnose Lyme disease in dogs. A positive result merely means that the body has mounted an immune response to fight off the bacteria. After being outdoors, check yourself thoroughly, especially in the following areas: under your arms; in and around your ears; inside your belly button; on the backs of your knees; in and around your hair; between your legs; and around your waist. However, less than 10% of these canine carriers will ever show symptoms and require treatment. The routine test does not distinguish between IgM and IgG. However, a tick must feed for at least 24 hours on an animal or human for B. burgdorferi transmission to occur. The American Academy of Pediatrics has more information about Lyme disease in people. The most common other organism is Anaplasma. . You should check your dog for ticks anytime its been outside, especially in wooded areas or if Lyme disease is common in your area. When the disease is caught early, many cats respond quickly to the medication. Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial illness that can be transmitted to humans, dogs, and other animals by certain species ofticks. Inflammation of the joint can last from days to weeks, and may migrate from one extremity to another. For many vets, doxycycline is the first-choice antibiotic for canine Lyme disease. In humans, often the earliest indication of infection is a "bullseye" rash at the site of the tick bite so named because it resembles a target. Other antibiotics that have activity against borrelia include the penicillin-like antibiotic, amoxicillin, and the second generation cephalosporin, Ceftin. Treatment for Lyme disease relies on the use of antibiotics to kill the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. Lift your dogs tail and check around its anus, as well as along the tail itself. Discuss the best application option and directions with your vet. Enjoy! 2018. As early as 3-4 weeks after infection depending on the tick load, the amount of bacteria per tick and the animals immune response. If your dog is diagnosed with Lyme disease, you and any other pets have probably been in the same outdoor environment and may also be at risk, so it is a good idea to consult with your physician and veterinarian to see whether you should test other pets or family members. Work with your veterinarian to decide whether to vaccinate your dog against Lyme disease. Swollen lymph nodes. Thus, antibody levels are indicators of treatment success (or failure). Typically, your dog will be given 2 injections over a span of 2-4 weeks, then annual booster shots. The tick parts could still pass on Lyme disease or cause other infections. That said, when dogs are sick with Lyme disease it does reduce their ability to exercise and enjoy life. Recurring Lyme disease may be the result of reinfestation by an infected tick or from a relapse in the original infection. Diagnosis is made by a combination of history, physical signs, and diagnostics. Deer ticks are distributed through the . The rash is typically neither itchy nor painful. Similarly, OspA antibodies in non-vaccinated dogs or horses can be considered as markers of chronicity and disease severity. Antibiotics have shown to be very effective and are usually given for three to four weeks or more. Icon Directions Right Arrow. Spraying the tick first with a flea and tick spray, or bathing your dog with a flea and tick shampoo, will kill the tick and make removal somewhat easier by loosening its grip. The most common reasons are low or short-lasting vaccine antibodies in the individual animal. Attend topical CE meetings on subjects including animal welfare, wellbeing, economics, and public policy. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Treatment includes antibiotics, usually for at least 30 days. Canine serology as adjunct to human Lyme disease surveillance. Video: Preventing Lyme Disease: Action You Can Take Now. Many vets will recommend and prescribe antibiotic treatment, in which case you should administer the medication according to their instructions. Ozone therapy is also effective in treating a virus, fungi, and bacterial infection, and Lyme is a type of bacterial infection. It can also be used to monitor protective antibodies after vaccination. However, a carrier tick could come into your house on your dogs fur and get on you. Check your dogs neck, all around from top to bottom. Ozone therapy can help in the treatment of Lyme disease by decreasing swelling, pain, and inflammation. This, along with urinalysis will help determine if antibiotic treatment is necessary. Antibiotics do not always eliminate Lyme disease. The C6 test detects antibodies against a protein called C6. Doxycycline is usually given by mouth twice daily (roughly 12 hours apart) for at least 30 days. If the dogs condition fails to improve in 72 hours or worsens at any time, call your veterinarian. This can be due to a low immune response of the respective animal and/or a very high exposure rate or Lyme prevalence in the area where the animal lives. Directions. Be sure to lift the ear flaps and look underneath. Lyme borreliosis is considered the most frequent We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The infection can also have cardiac and neurological effects if left untreated. Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention | Pet Side The dog might experience lameness, which may be shifting from one leg to the other. The typical dose is 20 mg/kg by mouth, three times a day for 30 days. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, most commonly doxycycline, for four weeks. Untreated Lyme disease symptoms can go dormant and then resurface with greater severity months or years later, and untreated Lyme disease can cause serious kidney problems over time. Treatment Antibiotics Most cases of Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics and improvements are usually seen within 24-48hours of starting them. Lyme disease in dogs is a tick-transmitted disease caused by a type of bacteria called Borrelia bergdorferi. Lyme disease is usually treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. The transmission of Lyme disease in dogs comes from a tick bite. What to Expect at the Vet's Office The Veterinary Leadership Conference draws veterinarians from across the U.S. for education sessions that help develop leaders for the veterinary profession. A little-known fact is that Lyme disease can spread through contact with body fluids. Lyme Disease Isn't As Simple As A Bite From A Tick Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your dogs condition. He shares the following list of prevention tips for families to prevent Lyme disease in dogs: Use reliable tick-preventive products. a pair of fine tweezers used for this purpose, veterinary-approved flea and tick preparations, Lameness (can be shifting, intermittent, and recurring), Generalized stiffness, discomfort, or pain, iy_2022; im_11; id_15; ih_13; imh_30; i_epoch:1668547827100, py_2022; pm_11; pd_02; ph_14; pmh_16; p_epoch:1667423760834, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Nov 02 14:16:00 PST 2022; pn_epoch:1667423760834. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 12,369 times. The CDC notes that without treatment, Lyme disease can spread to a person's heart, joints, and nervous system, causing intense headaches, painful arthritis, facial palsy, and heart. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Email: diagcenter@cornell.edu, Business Hours In untreated animals, antibodies to OspC and/or OspF are indicators of infection with B. burgdorferi. It is caused by the spiral-shaped bacteriumBorrelia burgdorferithat is carried inside a tick and gets into a dog or persons bloodstream through a tick bite. Deer ticks are found in forests or grassy, wooded, marshy areas near rivers, lakes or oceans. Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases. Thus the blood test has value in demonstrating that the dog has had contact with B. burgdorferi, but not in conclusively proving it is causing the dog's symptoms. Therefore, it is best to prevent infection by taking appropriate measures to prevent tick bites and, for dogs, possibly vaccinating against the disease. If your animal appears healthy, discuss the risks and benefits of treatment and develop a monitoring plan with your veterinarian. You can, but do not necessarily have to, contact your vet right away as well. Vaccine antibodies can be quantified with the Lyme Multiplex assay as early as two weeks following vaccination or anytime afterwards. This antibody profile can indicate whether an animal has been recently infected or is chronically infected with B. burgdorferi. If your pooch seems to be in a great deal of discomfort or pain, anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed to alleviate joint pain. Repellants dont kill ticks, however. Highly positive sera reach values of 20,000 MFI or higher. Antibodies can be detected in infected animals as early as 3-4 weeks after infection. Speak with your veterinarian about what tick-preventive product . Most commonly, the joints and the kidneys are affected by Lyme disease, but it can spread around the body. Contact your vet if your dog develops severe diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. At the time of retesting, a decrease of antibody levels can be expected in successfully treated animals. They just make them far less likely to attach to your dog. For horses with a positive OspC antibody value (OspC+/OspF- or OspC+/OspF+) retesting can be done 6-8 weeks after the treatment started. Some of the most common signs of Lyme disease in dogs include: Fever. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Monday-Friday: Once in the blood stream, the Lyme disease organism is carried to many parts of the body and is likely to localize in joints or kidneys. They get onto their host by waiting at the tips of vegetation. Over 95% of cases are from the Northeast, the Upper Midwest, and the Pacific coast, although with recent changes in deforestation, migrating deer, and bird populations, percentage rates in these areas are constantly changing. J Vet Intern Med 2:422-34. People or animals may be bitten by deer ticks during outdoor activities such as hiking or camping, or even while spending time in their back yards. The bacterium that causes Lyme disease a worm-like, spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi is carried and transmitted primarily by the tiny black-legged tick known as the deer tick. Pain and discomfort. Urine protein screening -- In general, only dogs who have symptoms of Lyme disease (fever, swollen lymph nodes, shifting leg lameness, and/or swollen joints) or protein in their urine should be treated with antibiotics. However, here are some common signs of Lyme disease in dogs: Fever Lack of appetite and depression General discomfort or malaise Lameness due to inflamed joints Sensitivity to touch Difficulty breathing If your dog is displaying symptoms of Lyme disease, contact your vet to schedule an examination. These treatments might also be recommended by your vet if you dog shows gastrointestinal symptoms while on doxycycline or oxytetracycline. Image: CDC. The most common sign of infection is an expanding red rash, known as erythema migrans (EM), which appears at the site of the tick bite about a week afterwards. Theres no better place to network, learn, and meet up with the friends and colleagues who make veterinary medicine so rewarding. Some antibiotics, including amoxicillin, are available over-the-counter, but you should always talk to your vet before giving your dog any medication. A tick can transmit the disease once it has been attached to a dog for 24 to 48 hours. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS and by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. chills. The Lyme Multiplex assay quantifies antibodies directed against specific proteins on the surface of B. burgdorferi at three different stages of the bacterial life cycle. These include: Cover arms, legs, head and feet when outdoors, Safe Use of Flea and Tick Preventive Products, Disease Precautions for Outdoor Enthusiasts and their Animal Companions, Disease Risks for Dogs in Social Settings. muscle and joint aches. Thousands of cases of Lyme disease have been reported in humans and animals across the United States and around the world. By knowing about Lyme disease and how to prevent it, you can help keep all members of your family human and animal safe. Recovery And Management Of Lyme Disease In Dogs Treating a Dog with Lyme Disease You can expect to see improvement in mild cases of Lyme disease in dogs 3 to 5 days into antibiotic therapy. Diagnosing Lyme Disease in Dogs A tick must be attached to your dog for 36 to 48 hours before an infection is transmitted. Treatment can be initiated immediately afterwards if antibody levels are positive. lameness in one or more legs, which may come and go. At least 4 known species of ticks can transmit Lyme disease. Also, the joints are often inflamed and sore, so the dog will be lame but this lameness shifts around from leg to leg. If clinical signs correspond to Lyme disease, your veterinarian will order a serologic test such as the Lyme Multiplex assay. If your dog tests positive for Lyme disease but is not showing any symptoms, your vet may not recommend treatment. Your veterinarians advice may depend on where you live, your pet's lifestyle and overall health, and other factors. Loss of appetite. However, while treatment is usually very effective at eliminating signs of Lyme disease, dogs with Lyme disease can remain positive for the rest of their lives. Dogs respond well to antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease. Sometimes, the bacteria can infect the central nervous system, leading to neurologic symptoms. Antibiotic treatment affects the pathogen (B. burgdorferi). For the majority of cases, Lyme disease impacts the quality of life rather than being fatal. There are many things people can do to avoid exposure to tick bites. Depending on the type of test used to screen for Lyme disease, a confirmatory test (e.g., a C6 antibody test or Western blot) may be necessary. Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. A 14- to 21-day course of antibiotics is usually recommended, but some studies . https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/prev/on_pets.html, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/common-conditions/lyme-disease-in-dogs/, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb02880.x, https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/how-treat-lyme-disease, https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/tetracycline, http://www.vetstreet.com/care/examination-and-lyme-disease-vaccine-for-dogs, https://www.vetinfo.com/the-5-most-popular-over-the-counter-antibiotics-for-dogs.html. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Transmitted through tick bites, the disease can be difficult to detect and can cause serious and recurring health problems. By using our site, you agree to our, Discussing Symptoms and Treatments with Your Vet, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Treat-Lyme-Disease-in-Dogs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Lyme-Disease-in-Dogs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Treat-Lyme-Disease-in-Dogs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid5501103-v4-728px-Treat-Lyme-Disease-in-Dogs-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"