-
- December 1, 2024
Lyme disease
Lyme disease in short
- Bacterial infection: Borrelia spp.
- Vector: Most commonly ticks (genus Ixodes)
- Clinical signs: Often asymptomatic
- Diagnosis: Serological tests
- Treatment: Antibiotics, supportive if necessary
- Prevention: Crucial!
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the Borrelia spp. bacteria, most commonly Borrelia burgdorferi. It is a tick-borne disease that is present worldwide. Infection can occur in all domestic animals, but it is most common in dogs and humans. Although most infected dogs do not develop clinical signs, early recognition and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent serious health complications.
Transmission of the disease
Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks from the genus Ixodes, particularly Ixodes ricinus, which are the most common vectors of the disease in Europe. Ticks become infected with the Borrelia bacteria when feeding on infected wild animals, such as small rodents and birds, which are natural reservoirs of the bacteria. Ruminants and deer play an important role in the spread of ticks, although they are not the main carriers of the bacteria.
Dogs most commonly become infected when bitten by an infected tick. For the bacteria to be transmitted, the tick must remain attached to the host for at least 24 to 48 hours. Therefore, prompt removal of ticks is important for prevention.
Clinical signs
Most dogs (90-95%) infected with Lyme disease do not develop clinical symptoms, and the disease often proceeds asymptomatically. When symptoms appear, they are usually mild, but in some cases, they can be severe. Typical signs of Lyme disease in dogs include:
- Limping: The most common clinical sign is limping caused by joint inflammation (arthritis). Limping can be temporary and often affects one or more joints.
- Swollen joints: Joints may become painful and swollen due to inflammation.
- Fever: Infected dogs may develop a fever.
- Loss of appetite and lethargy: Dogs often lose their appetite and become apathetic.
- Swollen lymph nodes: In some cases, the lymph nodes may be enlarged.
Diagnosis
To confirm Lyme disease in dogs, veterinarians use various diagnostic methods. The most commonly used are serological tests, which assess the presence of antibodies against the Borrelia spp. bacteria.
- Serology: This is the standard test for detecting infection, as it has high sensitivity. Antibodies against Borrelia develop 3 to 4 weeks after infection, but higher antibody titers do not necessarily predict the development of the disease.
- PCR test: A highly specific test that detects the DNA of the bacteria, though it is less sensitive when testing blood. To perform this test, tissue from the tick bite site, connective tissue, or joint capsule is required.
- Diagnostic tests should also consider clinical signs and the dog’s travel history, as infection often does not cause symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment of Lyme disease in dogs is based on the use of antibiotics. Doxycycline is the most commonly used antibiotic, and treatment typically lasts for 4 weeks. Chronic Lyme arthritis has not been extensively studied in dogs, and there is no evidence to support the efficacy of treatment longer than 4 weeks. Prognosis is better with early treatment. Supportive therapy, including analgesics to reduce pain, can be helpful in severe cases, especially in dogs with arthritis.
Preventive measures
Prevention is key to protecting dogs from Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The most important preventive measures include:
- Use of tick repellents: There are many products available that kill or repel ticks, such as collars, spot-on treatments, and tablets. It is important to choose a product based on the dog’s lifestyle and the area where the risk of tick infection is high. Fast-acting products are more effective because they reduce the time the tick is attached to the dog, thus reducing the risk of bacterial transmission.
- Regular dog checks: During tick season, it is recommended to check your dog at least once a day. Ticks should be promptly and gently removed, as prolonged attachment increases the risk of infection.