Have your heard about Lyme disease? Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria call Borrelia burgdoferi, transmitted to both humans and dogs by ticks. Ticks transmit the bacteria by attaching themselves to the skin to feed. The tick takes approximately 24 hours after being attached to transmit the disease. Once it has finished feeding it will fall to the ground and return to nature. Lyme disease is not transmitted from human to dog or visa versa. What are the clinical signs caused by Lyme disease? Lyme disease generally causes symptoms similar to the grippe (fever, loss of appetite),joint pain or may affect the kidneys. The clinical signs are similar in both humans and dogs. Symptoms may appear several months after being infected by a tick and in some cases the owner may not even be aware that their dog has been biten by a tick. Can we catch Lyme disease in Quebec? With the warmer temperatures, it becomes more frequent to see ticks in the Montreal region and are even more frequently found in the Cantons-de-l`Est and Vermont. Ticks can be found in the grass, plants, trees and wooded areas. They really like to be in damp areas. How do we diagnose Lyme disease? Each year during Spring, we do a blood test called 4DX which detects Heartworm. This test also detect Lyme disease as well as two other diseases transmitted by ticks, anaplasmosis and ehrichliosis. If the results of this test are positive, a dose of antibody will be administered and the appropriate treatment will be started depending on the results. How do I protect my dog from Lyme disease? The most effective prevention is a monthly application of a treatment which prevents the tick from attaching to your dog. If you go in areas which may be contaminated by ticks, carefully check your dog`s body for any ticks which may have attached themselves. This should be done especially for those dogs with thick and dense fur. There is also a vaccine available for your dog which allows the body to develop antibodies against Lyme disease. The following is a very interesting link where you will find a lot of information on Lyme disease. canlyme/fr/ Do not hesitate to contact us for more information on the best protection for your pet.
Posted on: Wed, 21 May 2014 18:00:24 +0000
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