Crypto Blog

The Basics:
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The common deer tick is the primary carrier of this organism. A dog or person acquires Lyme disease through the bite of an infected nymph (immature) or adult tick.

1. For a nymph or adult tick to transmit B. burgdorferi, it must be attached to the dog for about 48 hours.
2. If a tick dies or is removed before 48 hours, transmission of the bacteria will not occur.
3. Clinical illness in dogs usually occurs two to five months after a bite from an infected tick, even in endemic areas.

Dogs show several different forms of the disease, but by far, the most common symptoms are:

• A fever of between 103 degrees and 105 degrees.
• Lameness.
• Joint swelling.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.
• Lethargy.
• Loss of appetite.

Diagnosis of Lyme Disease

If your dog shows evidence of lethargy, lameness and loss of appetite, he or she should be evaluated by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will likely run a blood test called a 4DX to see if your dog has antibodies against the organism that causes Lyme disease.

Four criteria for diagnosing canine Lyme Disease

1. History of tick exposure.
2. Typical signs and symptoms.
3. Antibodies against B. burgdorferi (positive 4DX test).
4. Prompt response to antibiotics.

• Treatment for Lyme disease consists of using either a tetracycline or penicillin-based antibiotic.
• The two most commonly used are oral doxycycline or amoxicillin.
• The earlier that treatment is started following the onset of clinical signs, the better for your dog.
• There is generally good resolution of clinical signs within two to three days of starting treatment. Antibiotics must be given for a minimum of 14 days, but 30 days is recommended.

Prevention of Lyme Disease

Prevention of Lyme disease involves the use of vaccination and tick control programs. Dogs that were infected once with B. burgdorferi can become reinfected, so they too need protection.