What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial shaped bacterium called Borrelia Burgdorferi. It can be transmitted to humans, dogs and other animals through the bite of a tick. The primary carrier of the Borrelia bacteria is the Blacklegged Tick also known as the “Deer Tick”, which is common in our area. Ticks will attach to a host to feed off blood meal, and can transmit the bacteria through their saliva. If the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can travel to different parts of the body and can cause serious illness.
Signs of Lyme disease:
- Lameness or Stiffness
- Sensitive to touch
- Swelling of the joints or lymph nodes
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
If Lyme disease is not treated, symptoms can progress to cause heart problems, neurological effects and kidney failure.
How to protect your family:
- Keep grass mowed short. Avoid tall grass and wooded areas.
- Remove embedded ticks immediately. Tick Twisters are our tool of choice, which you can get from your veterinarian.
- If you find a tick embedded in your pet, Lyme testing can be done at your veterinary hospital 6-8 weeks after the tick is found on your pet.
- Use a monthly parasite prevention medication on your pets. Speak to our staff to determine which product is right for your pet.
- Vaccinate your pet yearly with the Lyme vaccination.
If your pet is up to date on their annual physical exam and you are interested in having your pet vaccinated for Lyme disease, please contact us.