If my animal is positive on the assay, should he/she be treated for Lyme disease?
If your animal is displaying clinical signs of Lyme disease and is positive on the Lyme Multiplex assay, it is advisable to discuss treatment options with your veterinarian. If your animal appears healthy, discuss the risks and benefits of treatment and develop a monitoring plan with your veterinarian.
Does treatment immediately after a tick bite negate signs of early infection?
Not every tick carries B. burgdorferi. The infection rate of ticks also varies with geographic region. Therefore, treatment should not be performed based on a tick bite alone. If the tick was found on the animal it can be sent in for B. burgdorferi PCR. PCR for Anaplasma can be performed simultaneously if requested. If the tick was infected, early treatment can be considered. However, a tick must feed for at least 24 hours on an animal or human for B. burgdorferi transmission to occur. Only a serological test will confirm whether transmission of B. burgdorferi occurred and the animal was infected. Antibodies can be detected in infected animals as early as 3-4 weeks after infection. Lyme Multiplex testing is recommended after that time. Treatment can be initiated immediately afterwards if antibody levels are positive. Treatment during this early infection phase is generally very effective.
What is Lyme disease in dogs?
Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which spreads into a dog’s bloodstream through the bite of a tick. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can travel to different parts of the body and cause problems in your dog’s organs and joints, as well as overall illness.
While Lyme disease can be carried by many species of ticks, the most common type of tick to transmit the disease is the Deer Tick (also known as the Black-Legged Tick).
Once a tick attaches itself to a dog, it can take as little as one to two days for it to transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, so prompt removal of ticks is important. Risk of transmission is highest during the spring and fall periods when tick nymphs and adults are actively seeking hosts.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs- And Why It’s SO Dangerous – Professional Dog Training Tips
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that affects both humans and pets across the United States. While many dogs carry Lyme disease without showing symptoms, others can experience a variety of debilitating side effects. Some of the causes, symptoms, and treatments for Lyme disease in dogs are discussed by our White Settlement veterinarians.