Lyme Disease Awareness Month is observed every May internationally and was created to bring awareness about Lyme Disease giving tips for early identification and prevention. Lyme Disease is on the rise in Canada, and is especially prevalent in Ontario, as tick populations are increasing due to climate change. Both humans and animals can suffer from Lyme Disease.

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What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease has origins in Lyme, Connecticut and is a bacterial organism properly known as Borrelia. The tick responsible for Lyme Disease is the Ixodes tick, also known as the deer tick or black legged tick. Ticks will travel on birds, deer, rabbits and other mammals. Opossums are one of the more commonly known predators of deer ticks, so the presence of opossums should be welcomed in our ecosystem.

Many dogs who get bit by these ticks and infected often remain asymptomatic. The most common symptom is a lameness that can rotate, or shift between different legs. This joint pain arises from the body’s immune system reacting to the bacteria as it moves through the body. A less common form of Lyme Disease is one that affects the kidneys, essentially leading to their failure. By the time the owner is aware of this, the dog has stopped eating, vomiting, losing weight, dehydrated and lethargic. The prognosis is very poor for this type of Lyme disease.

How do I treat Lyme disease?
If you suspect your dog has Lyme disease, there are some simple and advanced tests your veterinarian can do. Treatment for Lyme disease involves giving your dog antibiotics for an extended course over a month. If the kidney form is present, more intense therapy can be tried and involves hospitalization, but as stated above, most dogs do not survive this type long term.

Preventing Lyme disease
Fortunately, prevention is simple, easy and effective. Options for prevention include a vaccine and also a variety of topical or oral preventatives available from your veterinarian. There are pros and cons to each method and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Can my cat get Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is not currently seen in cats. As the threat of Lyme Disease spreads, it is more important than ever to protect your pets and you from ticks, so make sure you have that conversation with your veterinarian.