August 20, 2013
LYME DISEASE PREVENTION
Important Notice:Â Protect your dog from this disease that is transmitted by ticks!
We at VIP Animal Care hope that you and your families have been enjoying the summer. Knowing that typically more time is spent outdoors during the summer months, we feel it is important to inform you of the current status of LYME DISEASE here in Indiana.
Until recently, Lyme Disease has not been a big issue for us here in Indiana mainly because the Black Legged Ticks were not common here. Historically, Lyme Disease was most prevalent in the Northeastern States and the Upper Midwest. In 2011, the Companion Animal Parasite Council reported 1 out of 34 dogs tested in the state of Indiana were positive for Lyme Disease.  The number increased in 2012 to 1 out of 20 dogs tested in the state of Indiana being positive for Lyme Disease. Therefore, we believe that the increasing risk for your dog contracting Lyme Disease in Indiana does exist.
Lyme Disease is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world. It is caused by a spirochete (bacteria) species of the Borrelia burgdorferi group. The tick that transmits this disease is known as the Black Legged Ticks or commonly referred to as the Deer Tick. Once infected, your dog may or may not show signs and symptoms of the disease and it may take many months for symptoms to appear. Common symptoms are: fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, depression, swollen joints, inflamed lymph nodes, and lameness. More serious complications include damage to the kidney and rarely heart and/or nervous system.
Fortunately, if we diagnose the Lyme Disease early on, we can treat for it with simple antibiotics. However, we believe the PREVENTION is the key. Please ask us about your choices for tick preventatives. In addition, we are fortunate to have a VACCINE against Lyme Disease. This is an annual vaccination like most vaccines; however, in order to initiate protection, we must booster the vaccine, meaning we need to give a second dose 3-4 weeks after the original dose.
Because we believe this is important for your dog’s health, for a limited time, we are offering to provide a FREE LYME BOOSTER to your dog. This is a $ 30.00 Savings Value! Simply call us to schedule an appointment for a tick borne disease prevention evaluation and to receive the initial Lyme vaccine. The earlier we can vaccinate your dog the sooner we can protect against Lyme Disease!
VIP Animal Care
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