Unlike humans, many dogs that are exposed to the disease will never develop symptoms. Those that are infected with Lyme disease and become symptomatic, may not show any symptoms for a two to five months after a bite from an infected tick. The most common symptoms are a fever , lameness, swelling in the joints, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy and loss of appetite. Although it is not common, some dogs can develop kidney disease which is difficult to treat and may result in death. It is recommended that a dog with a positive Lyme antibody test have additional blood tests and a urinalysis to assess kidney function. Some dogs may also develop heart problems or nervous system disease after being infected with B. burgdorferi, especially when treatment is delayed. Dogs do not develop the typical rash or the circular area of redness around the bite (erythema migrans) that is seen in people.
Blood tests are available to assist in the diagnosis of Lyme disease. The standard blood test may detect antibodies made by the dog in response to infection with B. burgdorferi. Many dogs have positive test results but are not actually infected with the disease. These animals have been exposed to the organism and fought off the infection on their own. A single positive result means only that the dog was exposed to the bacteria. Test results must always be interpreted in combination with other information to obtain a correct diagnosis. Suspected animals should have a history of tick exposure, compatible clinical signs and a rapid response to antibiotic therapy. If an animal that is suspected of having Lyme disease does not clinically improve within 48 hours of starting antibiotic therapy, your vet may determine that it is not Lyme disease and pursue additional diagnostic tests.
A dog or person acquires Lyme disease through the bite of an infected nymph or adult tick. For a nymph to transmit B. burgdorferi, it must be attached to the pet or human for 48 hours. If a tick dies or is removed before 48 hours, transmission of the bacteria will not occur. Even if a tick is a carrier of *B. burgdorferi *and it attaches to a dog for more than 48 hours, the dog may not contract the disease. In fact, studies show that only 10 percent of dogs that are exposed to B. burgdorferi will contract the disease. There is no evidence to suggest that infected dogs pose a direct risk to other members of the household. If a tick falls off of a dog before it has completed its blood meal, it could attach to another animal or human in the area.
Lyme disease has been diagnosed in humans in all 50 states, though it is unknown if they acquired the disease after traveling to endemic areas (areas where the disease is consistently present). Tracking of the disease in humans has shown continued growth and increased reporting across the country and elsewhere in the world.
Veterinary expenses can vary widely for various reasons, however, most cases of Lyme disease can be treated for under $500. A quality monthly tick preventative typically cost between $10 and $20 per month.
If pets respond to antibiotics, they may clear symptoms of the infection after several weeks of treatment. It appears that many animals may never completely rid themselves of B. burgdorferi despite antibiotic treatment. These chronic carriers may not show any signs of disease.
Your veterinarian will determine how often your pet needs to be examined based on response to antibiotic therapy and the improvement of their symptoms. Blood work may also be necessary to make sure the secondary changes associated with infection are resolving.
Dogs in endemic areas should be on a good-quality tick preventative as prescribed by your veterinarian. Discuss vaccination for Lyme disease with your veterinarian.
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