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Lyme Disease (Bacterial Infection with Borrelia Species) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: General/Whole body

Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, which is mainly transmitted to dogs through tick bites.

The most important facts at a glance

Lyme disease in dogs is caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, mainly Borrelia burgdorferi. These bacteria are transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, especially the Ixodes species. Ticks live in forests, grasslands, and gardens and go through developmental stages, requiring blood meals. Infection can occur if ticks attach for more than 24 to 48 hours. Symptoms include fever, lameness, joint inflammation, and loss of appetite. Diagnosis is made through clinical symptoms and blood tests that detect antibodies. A positive test indicates contact with the bacterium, but not necessarily an active infection. PCR tests can detect Borrelia DNA. Treatment involves antibiotics such as doxycycline and may include anti-inflammatory drugs. The prognosis is good if treated early, but severe cases can be more complex. Prevention includes tick repellents, regular checks, and vaccinations in high-risk areas. Research is improving diagnostic methods and vaccines, examining the impact of climate change on the spread, and developing personalized prevention strategies. New treatments are also being tested to increase effectiveness and avoid resistance.

Causes

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, with Borrelia burgdorferi being the most common species found in North America and Europe. These bacteria are mainly transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected ticks of the Ixodes species, also known as deer ticks or sheep ticks.

Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites found in forests, grasslands, and gardens. They go through several stages of development—larvae, nymphs, and adults—and require a blood meal at each stage to develop further. They can transmit bacteria while attaching to the host and sucking blood.

The likelihood of infection depends on the amount of time the tick spends on the dog. It is believed that transmission of Borrelia does not occur until 24 to 48 hours of attachment. Therefore, early removal of the tick is crucial to reduce the risk of infection.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

The symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can be variable and often depend on the severity of the infection and the individual animal’s response. Many dogs show no or only mild symptoms, while others can become seriously ill.

The most common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes. Some dogs also develop lameness, which often shifts and is known as “shifting leg lameness”, as it can move from one leg to another.

In more severe cases, Lyme disease can also cause kidney problems, which manifest as increased thirst, increased urine production, vomiting, and weight loss. This form of the disease can be serious and potentially life-threatening.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Lyme disease in dogs is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic tests. Since many of the symptoms are non-specific and can also occur with other diseases, an accurate diagnosis is necessary.

A blood test can help detect antibodies against Borrelia bacteria. A positive result indicates that the dog has come into contact with the bacterium at some point, but it does not necessarily mean that it is currently infected or showing symptoms.

In some cases, the veterinarian may also perform other tests such as PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction) to detect the presence of Borrelia DNA in a blood sample. These tests can help confirm an active infection.

Therapy

Treatment of Lyme disease in dogs is usually done with antibiotics, with doxycycline being the most commonly used drug. Treatment usually lasts several weeks to ensure that the bacteria are completely eliminated from the dog’s body.

In addition to antibiotics, the veterinarian may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve symptoms such as pain and inflammation. In severe cases, especially if kidney problems occur, more intensive treatment may be required, including fluid therapy and supportive care.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with Lyme disease depends on the severity of the infection and how quickly treatment is given. Dogs that are diagnosed and treated quickly usually have a good prognosis and recover completely.

However, it can be more complicated in dogs that develop severe symptoms, especially kidney problems. These animals may require more intensive and long-term care. In rare cases, the disease can become chronic and cause recurring symptoms.

Prevention

The prevention of Lyme disease in dogs focuses primarily on avoiding tick bites. This can be achieved through regular use of tick repellents, which are available in the form of collars, spot-on preparations, or oral medications.

In addition, dogs should be regularly checked for ticks after walks in tick-infested areas. Ticks should be removed immediately and carefully to reduce the risk of transmission of Borrelia bacteria.

There are also vaccines against Lyme disease for dogs that can be considered in high-risk regions. These vaccines should be integrated into the dog’s vaccination schedule in consultation with a veterinarian.

For more information on Lyme disease in dogs, see this article on Lyme disease in dogs from VCA Hospitals.

Outlook on current research

Research on Lyme disease in dogs focuses heavily on improving diagnostic methods to enable earlier and more accurate detection of the disease. Scientists are working to identify specific biomarkers that indicate infection with Borrelia species. These biomarkers could serve as the basis for new blood tests or other diagnostic procedures in the future that are faster and less invasive than current methods.

Another important area of research is vaccine development. While there are already some vaccines against Lyme disease for dogs, these are not always 100% effective and may not cover all Borrelia strains. Researchers are therefore exploring new ways to improve vaccines, such as by incorporating additional proteins from the bacteria or by combining them with other protective measures.

The effects of climate change on the spread of Lyme disease in dogs are also being intensively studied. As ticks, which transmit the disease, gain a foothold in new geographic areas, studies are underway to understand how these changes affect the risk of infection for dogs worldwide. The research aims to develop preventive measures that are based on regional conditions.

In addition, there are research projects that deal with the genetic susceptibility of dogs to Lyme disease. Certain breeds or genetic lines may appear to be more susceptible to infection than others. Understanding these genetic factors could lead to personalized prevention strategies that are specifically tailored to the needs of individual dogs.

Finally, the treatment of dogs with Lyme disease is also being intensively researched. New antibiotics and combination therapies are being tested to increase the effectiveness of the treatment and avoid resistance. This research could lead to new standards in veterinary practice and significantly improve the quality of life of dogs with Lyme disease.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Lyme disease in dogs? Lyme disease, also called Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia bacteria and can be transmitted to dogs through tick bites. It can cause various symptoms, including fever, lameness, and joint pain.
How is Lyme disease diagnosed in dogs? Diagnosis is usually made through a combination of clinical symptoms, the presence of ticks or tick bites, and specific blood tests that test for antibodies against Borrelia bacteria. However, an accurate diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms are non-specific.
Can all dogs get Lyme disease? Theoretically, all dogs can get Lyme disease, but the risk is higher in dogs that live in areas with a high tick density or spend a lot of time outdoors. Some breeds may be genetically more susceptible.
What symptoms do dogs with Lyme disease show? The most common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, joint pain, lameness, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, heart, kidney, and neurological problems can also occur.
How is Lyme disease treated in dogs? Treatment is usually done with antibiotics, which are administered over several weeks. In some cases, additional medications are needed to relieve pain and inflammation.
Can Lyme disease be cured in dogs? Yes, most dogs respond well to antibiotic treatment and can recover completely. However, it may take some time for all symptoms to disappear, and in rare cases, long-term health problems may persist.
How can I protect my pet from Lyme disease? Regular tick checks and the use of tick prevention products are crucial. There are also vaccines that can protect against Lyme disease, but they do not replace the need to avoid ticks.
Can people get Lyme disease from dogs? People cannot get Lyme disease directly from dogs. The disease is transmitted by ticks. However, it is important to remove ticks from pets to minimize the risk to humans and animals.
Are there long-term consequences for dogs with Lyme disease? In some cases, dogs that have Lyme disease may develop long-term health problems such as chronic joint inflammation or kidney disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid such complications.
Is Lyme disease common in dogs in all regions? Lyme disease occurs mainly in areas where ticks are common, especially in forests and grasslands. However, the prevalence can vary depending on the geographic area, and climate change can affect the spread.