Treating Canine Lyme Disease

It has been 40 years since a cluster of arthritis cases have been diagnosed in Connecticut in humans and later on in dogs. This case led to the need for Lyme disease treatment options and medications,
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Canine Lyme Disease - ticks

What Is the Lyme Disease

Since Lyme disease was discovered in humans in 1975 and in dogs in 1984, the disease in both humans and dogs has been spreading geographically. Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne zoonosis in the northern temperate zone, up to 23,000 cases being recorded annually in the United States (US)¹. Most of these cases occur in the north-eastern and north-central states, many of which border Canada.

Human data on Lyme disease applies to dogs

There is no system that keeps track of the number of dogs in each province that get Lyme disease every year. However, beginning in 2010, Lyme disease became nationally reportable to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

Since ticks don’t seem to care if they land on humans or dogs, the data on geographic spread of human Lyme disease seems to apply to dogs, as well. You can view the geographic distribution of endemic human Lyme disease areas in Canada (past, present and future), at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca.

Most likely greater threat in dogs than humans

Three-quarters of human cases are contracted during activities around the home.³ Just imagine how much greater the threat is to your dog that typically spends much more time outside in the backyard than you do.

Check the map for a quick overview

Do you live in a human Lyme disease endemic, expansion or isolated area?
Where you live can help you determine the level of risk for your dog.

Geographic area	Disease threat	Level of risk	Your action
Endemic	Infected tick population well established, putting most dogs at constant risk	Nearly 75 percent of unvaccinated dogs in this area will eventually test positive for infection with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, and each year some will develop Lyme disease3	Talk to your veterinarian about a comprehensive tick-borne disease prevention program, including Lyme disease vaccination
Expansion	Infected ticks increasing, putting dogs at risk based on lifestyle and geography	Increasing trends in the number of human cases reported	Talk to your veterinarian about your dogs risk level and if you need a comprehensive tick-borne disease prevention program, including Lyme disease vaccination
Isolated	Infected ticks have been introduced to the area (likely by migratory birds) but populations are not established	Talk to your veterinarian about a comprehensive tick-borne disease prevention program, including Lyme disease vaccination	Ask your veterinarian about human and canine cases in your area. If you plan to travel with your dog to endemic or expansion areas, please talk to your vet prior to your trip.

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Our tick tube program is the first line of defense against canine Lyme disease

Keep your pampered pooch happy and healthy with tick control from Mosquito Squad of Columbia. Let the good times roll!

Dog owners know better than anyone how bad the tick season has turned out to be this summer. Our furry friends love to spend time outdoors, and also love to stick their little wet noses into areas where ticks love to hang out. From exploring around rocks and debris piles to running through the woods, our dogs are ultimately the most vulnerable members of our families when it comes to picking up ticks. Our hot temperatures and abundant rainfall mixed with a milder than usual winter has made the tick population in the Columbia area soar. This combination paired with your dog’s curiosity can lead to your pet being at risk for contracting canine Lyme disease.

Man’s best friend can get Lyme disease just like we can. The disease is caused by a bacteria carried by a tick and can be spread to you and your pet from the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease in dogs is sometimes mistaken for arthritis because two of the most common symptoms are painful joints and lameness. Some dogs that are infected with Lyme never show any symptoms at all, but others can become very sick from the disease. Severe cases of canine Lyme disease can lead to heart problems and kidney failure in your pet. Since the common “bulls eye” rash seen in a high percentage of human Lyme disease cases is not seen in dogs suffering from the disease, as pet owners we have to pay attention to the other warning signs that our dog may be sick. Common symptoms that should set off an early warning for dog owners are a low-grade fever, lack of appetite, swollen lymph nodes near the site of a tick bite, stiffness, difficulty breathing and sensitivity to touch. The first sign that something is wrong lies in checking your pet thoroughly to see if a tick is still attached in the fur. Longer hair breeds can have ticks attached that are often overlooked. Research indicates that younger dogs are more likely to contract Lyme than older dogs, and certain specific breeds seem to develop kidney disease as a result of Lyme disease more often than other breeds. These include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs.

The Deer Tick. The culprit responsible for Lyme Disease.

The reason for the increase in the number of dogs contracting Lyme disease is because of our lifestyle changes. More people means a need for more housing, and in turn as a society we have begun to encroach into the habitat of the prime sources responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. Deer ticks as well as mice lie at the source of humans and pets becoming infected with the disease. And we now build communities closer to wooded areas and fields where the ticks and mice reside. The progression of Lyme disease acts as a chain, and each source and host act as a link of that chain with humans, dogs and other animals being the last link that completes the chain of disease. In order for the disease to come full circle and infect us, or our pets, each link has to fall into place.

The root of Lyme disease is the tick which feeds from the mouse carrying the bacterium that causes Lyme disease which is called Borrelia burgdorferi. The deer tick feeds from the mouse by becoming an uninvited guest within the nest of the mouse. The tick feeds from the mouse and in turn the tick in transported back to the nest of the mouse where it is in the opportune location to feed, mature and continue to perpetuate the cycle of disease. Once the tick has reached the nymph stage it is then ready to fall off the mouse and shed in order to mature to the next stage of development which is the adult stage. Nymph ticks are easily picked up by humans and dogs while outdoors. The nymph deer tick is so tiny it is hard to see, and often overlooked, especially within the coat of your dog. Once the tick has attached itself to its host it then feeds, the bacteria that causes Lyme is passed through the saliva of the tick.

Keeping your entire family safe from the risk of contracting Lyme is our goal. By breaking the chain of disease in interrupting the life cycle of the tick you can reduce your risk of you or your dog becoming infected with Lyme Disease. Tick control and prevention is crucial to keep your pet healthy and safe. We recommend taking control of your property by keeping grass trimmed and debris cleaned up to make your yard less hospitable for mice and ticks. Keep your dog on a regular routine of oral or topical tick preventative as suggested by your veterinarian, and have a tick control professional include a tick tube program at the appropriate times on your property.

How tick tubes work.

Mosquito Squad of Columbia uses a highly effective tick tube program in conjunction with our barrier sprays to target all stages of the ticks’ life. Tick tubes work to eliminate the nymph tick before it has a chance to spread disease. Tick tubes are an innovative approach to tick control because they work in breaking the chain of potential disease. Tick tubes are small tubes that contain insecticide treated cotton. This cotton makes tempting bedding for mice to take from the cotton back to their nest. The treated cotton is safe for the mice, but deadly to the tick that is lurking within the mouse’s nest. Tick tubes are a win/win because the mouse gets a nice fluffy bed and the ticks perish. Studies have shown that utilizing a tick tube program reduces the risk of exposure to an infected tick by up to 97% on a treated property. In addition to the nymph tick, we also use a safe and effective barrier spray to target adult ticks on your property. This tick-intensive program gives you your yard back and gives your entire family peace of mind.

Contact Mosquito Squad of Columbia to learn more about fighting the bite, and getting the upper hand on ticks this summer. In addition to tick control we also offer control and prevention of mosquitoes, fire ants, fleas, spiders and flies too.

Call us today for a free quote • (803) 345 – 7575 • email:columbia@mosquitosquad.com

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Fight the Spread of Canine Lyme Disease

Today’s Sponsored Feature is part of your subscription to the daily AVMA SmartBrief. This feature, produced by SmartBrief and a select group of sponsors, highlights issues, products and services of interest to veterinarians and all those interested in animal health. It also allows for continued free delivery of AVMA SmartBrief. Thank you for your interest. - The AVMA SmartBrief Team SPONSORED FEATURE FEATURED ARTICLE FEATURED PRODUCT How to Protect Despite New Geographic Growth Canine Lyme disease is no longer just a threat to dogs in the Northeast or North-Central U.S. (often called “endemic areas”). Lyme disease is growing fast — infected dogs have been found in all 48 contiguous states.1 In many states, infection is not likely, but dogs living or traveling in the endemic areas and the growing expansion areas are at risk. Growing geographic risks Lyme disease is one of the fastest-growing diseases in the U.S. A dog’s risk level depends on where he lives, his overall health and his lifestyle, such as whether he travels a lot or goes hunting. Dogs are at risk — regardless of breed When any dog comes in close contact with infected ticks — usually in wildlife areas where mice and deer live — the risk of exposure to Lyme disease is present. Plus, nearly 75% of unvaccinated dogs in endemic areas will eventually test positive.2 Smart — and easy — protection techniques Canine Lyme disease is largely preventable with vaccination, tick control products and frequent tick checks. Get details now. Vaccination Helps Dogs Stay Free of Lyme Disease Duramune Lyme® vaccine is proven 92% effective in preventing Lyme disease3: – The vaccine induces antibodies to a broad array of Borrelia burgdorferi Osps4 — not just one or two – It targets the Borrelia burgdorferi organism despite its shifting Osp expression – Duramune Lyme provides a cascade of continuous, uninterrupted protection against Lyme disease5 About Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 145 affiliates and more than 44,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine. As a central element of its culture, Boehringer Ingelheim pledges to act socially responsible. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability, are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim’s endeavors. In 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about $ 17.1 billion. Research and development expenditure in the business area of prescription medicines corresponds to 23.5% of its net sales. Learn more at: http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com and http://twitter.com/boehringerus. RESOURCE CENTER Get details on vaccination DuramuneLyme.com Explore canine Lyme disease’s growing threat LymeInfo.com Learn about other parasitic threats to dogs capcvet.org FYI Footnotes: 1 Companion Animal Parasite Council, Parasite Prevalence Maps, CAPCvet.org., 2013 2 Richard Ford, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM. Tracking the development of tick-borne diseases, DVM in Focus, June 2002. 3 Levy S. Use of a C6 ELISA test to evaluate the efficacy of a whole-cell bacterin for the prevention of naturally transmitted canine Borrelia burgdorferi infection. Vet Ther. 2002;3(4):420-424. 4 Levy SA, et al. Confirmation of Presence of Borrelia burgdorferi Outer Surface Protein C Antigen and Production of Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi Outer Surface Protein C in Dogs Vaccinated with a Whole-cell Borrelia burgdorferi Bacterin. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med 2010;Vol 8, No. 3, 123-128. 5 With annual vaccination. Legal: © 2013 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Duramune and Duramune Lyme are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. All rights reserved. SMARTBRIEF ARCHIVES: RELATED NEWS AVMA Podcast: Lyme disease Nearly 40 years ago, an unusual cluster of arthritis cases along the Connecticut River, primarily in children, led to the discovery of Lyme disease as a human illness in the U.S. But it’s not just humans who are susceptible to Lyme disease. Clinical signs of Lyme have been recognized in dogs, horses and cattle. So what exactly is Lyme disease, how is it spread, and how can we prevent it … in people and animals? In the latest AVMA Animal Tracks podcast, Dr. Michael Stone, a clinical assistant professor at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, discusses Lyme disease. Listen to the podcast. Simple steps to protect pets from disease A number of internal and external parasites threaten pets’ health, including intestinal parasites, heartworms, fleas and ticks, and more, writes veterinarian Rebekah Frost, but regular veterinary care and preventive treatments can help protect animals. Ticks are of concern for a variety of reasons including the fact that they may infect animals with Lyme disease, which can cause acute and chronic disease in pets. However, veterinarians can help protect animals with tick control and vaccination against Lyme disease. The Observer (Dunkirk, N.Y.) (3/10) Lyme disease becomes more prevalent in northern U.S. Lyme disease incidence rose about 80% in the U.S. from 1992 to 2007, with higher rates in the North, according to a report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Geographic changes in prevalence are consistent with the effects of climate change, researchers said. Medscape (free registration) (4/17), MyHealthNewsDaily.com (4/17) 16% of Vt. dogs have been exposed to Lyme Data indicating 16% of Vermont’s dogs have been exposed to Lyme disease is a sign the disease has been underreported in humans, according to physician Richard Horowitz, who says he has treated 12,000 human Lyme disease patients in New York’s Hudson Valley area. “This is an epidemic and the seriousness is not being recognized,” he said. Patients want to pass a law ensuring they will have access to the long courses of antibiotics needed to treat the disease. Vermont Public Radio (4/3) What is this? A Sponsored Feature is an advertorial that includes valuable content provided by the sponsor and editorial materials from SmartBrief’s archives. This Sponsored Feature does not represent an endorsement by the AVMA or SmartBrief, Inc. of the products and services offered. If you unsubscribe from this Sponsored Feature, you will not be unsubscribing from all other editions of the Animal Health SmartBrief. Subscriber Tools: Sign up for Animal Health SmartBrief | Send Feedback | Email this brief | Unsubscribe from Animal Health SmartBrief Sponsored Features Advertising with SmartBrief: Healthcare Sales and Marketing Associate Rebecca Adelson 202-618-5665 Mailing Address: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004 © 1999-2013 SmartBrief, Inc.®  Legal Information.

Canine Lyme Disease Symptoms

Canine Lyme disease is an acute medical condition found in dogs. It affects a dog’s heart, kidneys and joints. Find out more about canine Lyme disease and other facts of the disorder.

Lyme disease got its name from the city Lyme, Connecticut. Here, the first outbreak of this diseases was monitored. A bacteria called borrelia burgdorferi is responsible for this disease. This bacteria is transmitted by the bite of a tick. It is said that out of all the species of ticks, only three species are known to transmit Lyme disease. According to research, Lyme disease in dogs is found to be transmitted through the bite of a deer tick or a black-legged tick. Canine Lyme disease symptoms usually occur within a period of two to five months of the dog being bitten by a tick. A brief description of canine Lyme disease symptoms has been described below. Treatment and prevention of the disease have also been briefly touched upon.

Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Limping (usually one fore leg) has been found to be one of the prominent canine Lyme disease symptoms in dogs. This is caused by the swelling of lymph-nodes in the affected limb. This condition is termed as lymphadenopathy. Dogs also suffer from high fever (101 to 102.5 degrees) and anorexia. Anorexia is defined as “a prolonged eating disorder due to loss of appetite”.

Canine Lyme disease symptoms are also characterized by arthritis. Swelling of the joints is observed in dogs. There is a sudden occurrence of lameness in dogs and they tend to become lethargic. The effect or pain of lameness is seen to shift from one leg to another. The legs aren’t the only thing affected by the bacteria; the nervous system suffers as well. The dog may also experience a symptom known as myocarditis. This is a condition where the muscular tissue of the heart suffers inflammation. Glomerulonephritis is another symptom that is observed in dogs due to canine Lyme disease. This symptom is characterized by decreased production of urine in the body. It is also evident by the presence of blood and protein in the urine. Glomerulonephritis is also characterized by swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities. This is known as oedema.

There is a gradual rise in the degree of discomfort in dogs due to the disease. From a mild joint and muscle pain, the disease affects the animal in such a manner that it refrains from any kind of movement. That is the reason why we see maximum dogs being carried by their owners into a veterinary hospital.

The bacteria that triggers Lyme disease may remain dormant in some dogs for a certain period of time (for over a year in some cases). Then there will be a sudden outbreak of the symptoms of the disease. This is because of the fact that during the dormant period, the bacteria may have affected the dog’s body in more than one way.

Prevention of Canine Lyme Disease

The best method to protect your pets from this nasty disease is proper grooming. Regular dog grooming prevents infestation of ticks and other insects. A variety of products are available in the market for getting rid of ticks. Vaccinations against canine Lyme disease are also available to protect your dogs from contracting the disease. However, re-vaccinations are a must to keep your dogs’ health problems a bay.

Treatment for Canine Lyme Disease

Since Lyme disease is caused due to a bacteria, treatment involves use of appropriate antibiotics. The course of the treatment may vary in duration depending upon the severity of the disease. However, early diagnosis and treatment of the disease keeps matters from getting worse.

Occurrence of any signs or symptoms that are different than the normal dog behavior requires immediate attention. Consult a veterinarian at the slightest hint of any of the canine Lyme disease symptoms mentioned above. Not only these symptoms but any kind of unusual symptoms in your pets must never be overlooked. As a responsible owner, you are the only one who can feel and think for your mute but adorable pet dogs!

Canine Lyme Disease | Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme Disease in Dogs – Canine Lyme Disease

Lyme disease in dogs, or Lyme neuroborreliosis, resulting from infection of the CNS by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, has been reported occasionally in dogs. Most affected dogs have had concurrent polyarthritis, lymphadenopathy, and fever. Signs of neurologic system involvement have include aggression, other behavior changes, and seizures.

There may be an increase in anti-B. burgdorferi immunoglobulin compared with a paired serum titer, indicating intrathecal antibody production in dogs with Lyme disease. Lyme neuroborreliosis, a well-documented manifestation of Lyme disease in humans, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of disease involving the CNS in dogs from endemic regions. Early antibiotic treatment may be effective, but it is important to select an antibiotic that is thought to act against the spirochete and that is capable of reaching high concentrations.

New report on the spread of canine Lyme disease

Today’s Sponsored Feature is part of your subscription to the daily AVMA SmartBrief. This feature, produced by SmartBrief and a select group of sponsors, highlights issues, products and services of interest to veterinarians and all those interested in animal health. It also allows for continued free delivery of AVMA SmartBrief. Thank you for your interest. - The AVMA SmartBrief Team SPONSORED FEATURE FEATURED ARTICLE FEATURED PRODUCT Experts Warn Canine Lyme Disease Is Spreading A new report from the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) — a nonprofit organization of veterinary parasitologists and scientists — warns “the threat of Lyme disease for dogs will be extremely high this year.” The increasing risk includes areas where the disease is already common, such as the Northeast and North-Central U.S., as well as the states below, where Lyme disease is now expanding: Indiana Illinois Michigan Ohio Kentucky West Virginia Virginia North Carolina How can you help prepare your clinic? Read CAPC’s full article View the Lyme disease risk-level map on LymeInfo.com. The map is just one of many helpful tools for educating clients and colleagues — share it with yours today. Innovative Vaccine, Impressive Credentials Duramune Lyme® vaccine: Features innovative PureFilâ„¢ Technology Is used by veterinarian/researcher Dr. SA Levy, who says: “With another brand of vaccine, I saw a 4% incident rate that led to owner concerns — swelling, pain, fever, lethargy, etc. I switched to Duramune Lyme because of its efficacy and safety. Now I have seen only two mild local swelling incidents that did not generate office visits.” Learn more About Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 145 affiliates and more than 44,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine. As a central element of its culture, Boehringer Ingelheim pledges to act socially responsible. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability, are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim’s endeavors. In 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about $ 17.1 billion. Research and development expenditure in the business area of prescription medicines corresponds to 23.5% of its net sales. Learn more at: http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com and http://twitter.com/boehringerus. RESOURCE CENTER Steps to Building Your Prevention Plan Learn about ticks, checking for them and more LymeInfo.com Learn from parasitic disease experts CAPCvet.org Make vaccination part of your prevention plan DuramuneLyme.com FYI Legal: © 2013 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Duramune and Duramune Lyme are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. All rights reserved. SMARTBRIEF NEWS ARCHIVE: RELATED ARTICLES Prevention is key to protecting dogs from Lyme disease Lyme disease prevention is best done with tick-prevention products and a canine vaccine, but if an engorged tick becomes embedded in a dog’s skin, it’s important to properly and completely remove the tick. Lyme disease is a zoonotic illness, causing symptoms in dogs such as swollen joints, lameness and fever. If left untreated, it can progress to fatal kidney failure. Humans usually exhibit symptoms similar to influenza when infected with Lyme disease. Veterinarian Hisham Ibrahim has diagnosed 65 canine cases of Lyme disease this season. KDKA-TV (Pittsburgh) (4/22) Timely removal of ticks can prevent Lyme disease Although dogs can be protected from Lyme disease, humans aren’t so lucky. Lyme disease is a zoonotic infection responsible for 24,364 human cases in 2011. The illness is caused by a spirochete bacteria transmitted by the tick Ixodes scapularis. Using proper technique to remove a tick within 24 hours will decrease the chances of contracting Lyme disease. The spirochete reproduces within the tick gastrointestinal tract and isn’t available for transmission until 36 to 48 hours after the tick begins feeding. The Exponent Telegram (Clarksburg, W.Va.) (6/1) Mich. residents are alerted to Lyme disease risk among pets Michigan veterinarian Jim Connell’s practice diagnosed Lyme disease in eight out of 800 tested dogs in his practice last year, and he notes an AVMA alert warned clinicians the disease is spreading. The best prevention for dogs includes a vaccine and tick-bite prevention. MLive.com (Michigan) (free registration) (5/31) City residents are at risk for Lyme disease, too Even city dwellers can be exposed to Lyme disease through the bite of a deer tick carrying the bacteria because the ticks may hitch a ride to the city on wildlife and dogs, writes physician Leo Galland. Even if they don’t know of any tick exposure, urban residents who experience otherwise unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and confusion, or those diagnosed with an autoimmune or degenerative neurological disease should discuss being tested for Lyme disease with their physician, Galland says. The Huffington Post/The Blog (5/21) Revealing Lyme disease in Ala. Jacksonville State University scientists found Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent behind Lyme disease, in seven Alabama dogs, marking the first time the bacteria has been identified in dogs in the state. The first case of Lyme disease in an Alabama resident was diagnosed in 1985, but it is rare and some still doubt its presence in the state. Lyme disease is less prevalent in the South mainly because ticks there tend to feed on animals that don’t carry the pathogen, such as lizards, according to the CDC. The Anniston Star (Ala.) (6/2) Bumper tick population is marching across Maine Maine’s mild winter fueled a tick population boom last year, and experts are warning that the Lyme disease threat will continue to grow. One Maine woman, Heidi McDonald, suffered with symptoms of Lyme disease in addition to two other insect-borne diseases, babesia and bartonella, for more than six months before her infections were diagnosed. McDonald noted that it may take two different tests to confirm a Lyme disease infection, the ELISA and the Western blot. Bangor Daily News (Maine) (free registration) (5/10) What is this? A Sponsored Feature is an advertorial that includes valuable content provided by the sponsor and editorial materials from SmartBrief’s archives. This Sponsored Feature does not represent an endorsement by the AVMA or SmartBrief, Inc. of the products and services offered. If you unsubscribe from this Sponsored Feature, you will not be unsubscribing from all other editions of the Animal Health SmartBrief. Subscriber Tools: Sign up for Animal Health SmartBrief | Send Feedback | Email this brief | Unsubscribe from Animal Health SmartBrief Sponsored Features Advertising with SmartBrief: Healthcare Sales and Marketing Associate Rebecca Adelson 202-618-5665 Mailing Address: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004 © 1999-2013 SmartBrief, Inc.®  Legal Information.