Watch for Ticks and Lyme Disease This Summer By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 5, 2013 Lyme disease is predicted to be on the rise this year, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. The organization, which monitors the level of parasite-related threats to dogs and cats, made the prediction based on statistics developed by Clemson University and based on temperature, dew point, humidity, precipitation, elevation, and forest cover. When conditions are optimal for large tick populations, as they may be in some regions this summer, tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease also become more prevalent. Because they spend a lot of time outside, many horses are subject to tick infestation. In some areas of the country such as the upper Midwest and the mid- to northern Atlantic seaboard states, a large percentage of horses test positive for antibodies to Lyme disease. Not all of these horses will have had an active form of the disease. Signs in horses may include fever, mild or shifting lameness, poor performance, and behavioral changes, all of which might be attributed to other causes. Stiff and painful joints and muscles, laminitis, and eye irritation are also sometimes seen in infected horses. It’s probably impossible to eliminate ticks from pastures and trails where horses spend time. However, property owners can minimize tick populations if they keep fields and fencerows mowed, keep grass trimmed short around barns and arenas, and if possible move horses to pastures that are not bordered by brushy areas or forests. Horse owners should check their horses for ticks daily (pay particular attention to the base of mane and tail hairs) and apply insect repellent sprays or wipes that are labeled for use on horses. Owners should also make a habit of monitoring horses for vague signs like mild fever, reluctance to work, and slight stiffness or lameness. These signs are common to several neurologic conditions; they might not signal Lyme disease, but they could indicate another problem that can be treated before it becomes worse. Untreated, Lyme disease may seem to clear up and then reappear months later. The disease in horses usually responds to antibiotic treatment by a veterinarian, with tetracycline being one of the most effective medications. Any horse suspected of having Lyme disease or another neurological condition should be examined by a veterinarian.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 12:15:55 +0000
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