What's all this about Lyme Disease?

Ticks are not new to us in this area. What is becoming very concerning these days is a bacterial infection called Lyme Disease which is carried by ticks.

Lyme disease was named for a town in Connecticut where it was first diagnosed in 1975.  It is a disorder transmitted to both animals and humans by the bite of very small ticks.  These ticks are approximately ¼ the size of the more common woodland tick.  The immature, or nymph, stages of this particular tick are carried by the white-footed mouse, while the adult stages are spread by white-tailed deer.  Both stages (nymph and adult) are capable of transmitting Lyme disease.

In dogs, the predominant symptoms of Lyme disease are fever, loss of appetite, and arthritis.  The earlier stages may appear as a reoccurring arthritis, but may become a chronic problem.  Lyme disease can also cause some damage to the kidneys, a condition called Lyme nephropathy.  Recent research has found that Lyme disease in dogs may also affect the heart, as it can in people.

In people, the disease initially causes “flu-like” symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and fatigue.  A rash will frequently occur at the site of the tick bite.  Left untreated, people with Lyme disease may develop arthritis, heart disease, or neurological problems.  In both pets and humans, the disease can usually be diagnosed through laboratory tests.  If caught early enough, Lyme disease in dogs can often be treated successfully with antibiotics.  Dogs who test positive for Lyme disease cannot pass the disease to people or to other dogs, but they serve as sentinels: indicators that Lyme-carrying ticks are in the area and family members should carefully watch for ticks on themselves and other pets.

Tick control is the single most important thing to do to prevent your dog from being infected with Lyme disease.  Ticks that carry Lyme disease must be attached to a dog for 24 - 36 hours before they transmit the disease-causing bacteria into the dog’s system.  Checking your dog for ticks and removing them as soon as possible is the most important thing to do. 

Topical flea/tick preventatives can also be used once monthly to protect your dog against tick bites.  Palos Animal Hospital carries Frontline, a once-monthly application that will kill ticks.

In dogs, a vaccine against Lyme disease is also available.  There is an initial series of two vaccinations given three weeks apart, and thereafter, a yearly vaccination.  We strongly recommend vaccinating dogs that are involved in hunting, camping, or dogs that are exposed to ticks both locally or in northern states such as Michigan or Wisconsin.

- Because ticks are usually a problem spring through fall, take the following precautions:

- Apply a topical tick repellant to your pet.  Palos Animal Hospital carries Frontline, a topical monthly treatment for cats and dogs.    

- Avoid heavily wooded areas or places where the grass is very tall.

- People should wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing and shoes in these areas.  (Ticks can be seen more easily on light-colored material).

- Insect repellents should be used on people.

If you find that your pet has ticks, consult your veterinarian to discuss the problem. Usually the recommended procedure for removing ticks is to apply Frontline, followed by manual removal of the ticks.  Under NO circumstances should ticks be removed from animals by soaking the tick in gasoline, kerosene, or by applying a lit cigarette!

With the help of your veterinarian and with a little patience, we can get through this tick season with a minimum of difficulty and still enjoy the beautiful summer months outdoors.