Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in America. Here, out Avon veterinary team will chare information with you about Lyme disease in pets including its symptoms and treatments.
What is Lyme disease?
The bacteria borrella is carried by deer ticks, which are native to Connecticut, and causes Lyme disease. This disease is transmitted when ticks feed on infected animals like mice, birds or deer. An infected tick who then bites another animal may infect them as well.
What symptoms of Lyme disease should I watch out for?
In our pet companions, common symptoms of Lyme disease can include anything from discomfort and malaise to a lack of appetite, lameness, inflamed joints and depression.
Also beware of any fever, difficulty breathing or sensitivity to touch.
How can my vet diagnose Lyme disease?
Schedule an appointment with your vet if you suspect your pet may have Lyme disease.
During this appointment, one of our vets will ask you a number of questions about your pet's recent behavior and general health in order to gain an understanding of your pet's medical history. Them they will conduct a battery of tests including a urine analysis, fecal exam, blood test and x-rays. They may also draw fluid form your pet's affected joint for further testing.
What happens if my pet receives a Lyme disease diagnosis?
When diagnosed with Lyme disease, pets are usually treated on an outpatient basis. This will typically involve at least a four-week course of antibiotics, though your vet may also prescribe pain medication if the disease has made your dog especially uncomfortable.
How can I prevent Lyme disease?
Avoiding ticks as much as possible will go a long way to controlling and preventing disease. Sprays, monthly products and vaccines are available, although many work best before dogs are exposed to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
Your vet might recommend vaccines or boosters if you live somewhere where Lyme is common. You should remove ticks as quickly as possible if you find any in your pet in order to prevent the spread of Lyme and other diseases. Though pets will not directly infect people, they may bring infected ticks into the house, which may then attach to another person or animal and transmit Lyme disease.