What is Lyme Disease?

       Lyme Disease is  caused by Deer Ticks.   After prolonged attachment (48-72 hours) to your dogs blood stream  is infected with a bacteria called  "Borrelia Burgdorfen". It's not necessary to remember that.  The tick must be attached for at lease 48 hours for the dog to become infected with the disease.

Where do the most cases of Lyme Disease occur?

      On the east coast the states with the highest number of reported cases are Pennsylvania, , New Hampshire, North Carolina and Maine. The most reported cases in the mid-west occur in Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa. On the west coast the highest number of reported cases are in California.

What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease?

       The signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease are, lethargy, loss of appetite, a noticeable decrease in normal activity (lethargy), swollen lymph nodes and fever. These symptoms can occur with many illnesses so it is important to take the dog to the veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis.

How does the veterinarian diagnose Lyme Disease?

      Diagnosis  begins with the dogs history of activities such as has it been in an area where there are deer ticks. Your dog will be given a physical examination and  the doctor will take blood from your dog to see if it contains the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.

What is the treatment for Lyme Disease?

       Lyme Disease is treated with antibiotics such as Doxcycline given every 12-24 hours . Other antibiotics that are effective in treating Lyme Disease are tetracycline, Amoxicillin and Cephalexin.  These antibiotics work by suppressing the bacteria.  They do not remove the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease they make it ineffective. Improvement in your dogs condition can be seen within 24-72 hours.

Can dogs be cured from the disease?

       Recovery is 98-99% with proper and timely treatment. Antibiotics may be necessary to begin at home and it is important that you follow your vets instructions until all of the medication has been given. Your dog can get another case of Lyme Disease and will again be treated with antibiotics.

How can we prevent Lyme Disease?

        Daily grooming and inspection can go a long way toward preventing the disease. If you live in a wooded area, take hikes into the woods and allow your dog to play in areas such as this daily inspection is a necessity. There is a vaccine for treating Lyme Disease but there are questions about it long term effectiveness or if it is effective at all.

        Regarding the vaccine that's a decision  you may need to make  if your dog is diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Talk it over with your vet , ask  all of the questions you need to and wait for the answer. You may nee to be persistent in getting answers to your questions. You need to make an "informed" decision.

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        Fran Gratton  RubMyBellyToo.com  POB 107  116 Gay Street Phoenixville, PA 19460  610-933-5810  888-558-3837

                                                          I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.   Phillipians 4:13