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Lyme Disease :
Lyme disease was first recognized in humans in 1975 and first reported in dogs in 1984. There is evidence that the bacteria responsible existed as early as the late 1800's in Europe.
Lyme Disease in dogs is transmitted as it is in humans, through tick bites by ticks that carry certain types of bacteria that cause Lyme Disease.
Tick bites from ticks that do not carry these bacteria cannot transmit Lyme Disease to your dog even though the tick my still bite your dog.
There are at least three known species of tick that can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme. In Virginia we do not get a cold enough winter to kill the ticks, so we suggest you use a tick preventative all year around. We have seen patients here in the clinic with ticks on them in December, January and February.
Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease in your dog are likely to include what might appear to be a sore foot or leg. Additional signs of Lyme Disease include: stiff, painful gait, swollen joints that could be warm to the touch, pain in legs or throughout the body, fever,fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.
The symptoms my come and go, and very from mild to servere and mimic other conditions. Signs my not appear for several months after the infection. In servere cases, dogs can develope heart disease, central nervous system diorders or fatal kidney disease.
Although Lyme disease often receives the most attention, ticks can carry other diseases, such as canine ehrlichiosis, canine anaplasmosis and rocky mountain spotted fever. As with Lyme disease, they are often mistaken for other conditons and cannot be accurately diagnosed without a trip to the veterinarian.
The heartworm test we use in our office, tests for heartworms as well as lyme, and ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis.
Contact us if you have more questions. Please do keep a tick preventative on your pet.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis (or Lepto) is a bacterial disease that can affect a wide range of mammals, including dogs and people. Bacteria are passed via urine into water sources, where they reside and reproduce. The bacteria can be present in any stagnant surface water, moist soil, and recreational water sources such as ponds and lakes. Dogs can become infected by direct contact with comtaminated water, moist soil or urine from an infected animal; drinking, swimming in or walking through any contaminated reservoir poses risk. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through a cut in the skin or through mucous membranes.
The signs of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, dehydration, weakness, depression and lethargy. Jaundice (yellowing of the gums and whites of the eyes) may develop as well as blood in the urine. In the most severe cases, the disease can lead to kidney failure or liver failure and may be fatal.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, transmissible from animal to human. While the diease is rarely fatal in humans, it can cause severe illness. You can reduce disease risk by vaccinating your dog, avoiding water that may be contaminated with bacteria, and by practicing good sanitation. Wash your hands often, especially when handling anything that might have your dog's urine on it. Cats appear to have natural resistance to leptospirosis. For this reason they are not vaccinated.