Lyme Disease in Dogs and Cats

Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease is caused by spirochete bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) prevalent in deer ticks.  Other species of ticks also carry the bacteria.  Ticks in coastal areas have a higher incidence of carrying the bacteria.  Lyme is easily treated with several weeks of antibiotics.  Dogs that are not treated can suffer kidney damage and we see more problems with kidney disease in Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs.

Common symptoms are:

Acute (sudden onset) lameness can present as the dog not getting up or as recurrent lameness in legs.  This is due to inflammation (swelling) of the joints.  This can affect one or more legs and can also come reoccur.  Some dogs develop a stiff walk with an arched back.  Sensitivity to touch in dogs can be present.

If any of these symptoms are noted you should let a staff member know immediately.  If a dog is being treated for Lyme disease it is important that they complete all of their antibiotics.

Cats and Lyme Disease

With summer fast approaching ticks are about and looking for a meal.  Lyme disease is uncommon in cats but it can affect them just like dogs.

Symptoms in cats:  lameness or weakness in legs which can present as acute lameness or recurrent lameness or shifting-leg lameness just like in dogs (this is due to joint inflammation and pain), not eating and lethargy.  Cats can develop serious kidney, heart and nervous system problems when Lyme goes untreated.

Deer ticks carry Lyme disease!

In both cases ticks should be removed.  Let an office staff member know if the cat or dog has a tick immediately and they will advise on removal of the tick.

American Dog Tick causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever.

Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme Disease in Cats