CONCERN ABOUT LYME DISEASE
by Lee Weston

 
Deer Tick
(Ixodes dammini)

Lone Star Tick
(Amblyomma americanum)

Western Black-leg Tick
(I. pacificus)

American Dog Tick
(Dermacentor variabilis)

Black-legged Tick
(I. scapularis)
     Lyme disease, also known in medical circles as Borreliosis, is a bacterial disease that is carried by ticks, and affects both humans and animals.  This disease was diagnosed in dogs in 1984, and diagnosed in humans in 1975.  The disease got its name from a community in Connecticut, that was particularly hard hit by this disease, Lyme.  Since this time, Lyme disease has spread throughout the U.S., and is the most common tick borne disease.
    Ticks are regarded as a carrier of the disease, but it is fairly certain that ticks become infected with this bacteria by biting mice.  When the ticks bites another host, the bacterium is then transferred to the blood of the host animal.  The rapid spread of Lyme disease has several explanations.  When one area becomes infected, the wildlife traveling through that area, become transports for the disease carrying tick.  Migratory birds, deer, mice, dogs, all have helped spread the disease.  Even humans walking through the woods on a camping trip, hike or a simple nature walk, carry back the ticks that carry the Lyme disease. Ticks can be found in fields, especially ones that are not being worked, secluded woods with low-lying brush and bramble, and marshlands.
The risk factor of coming into contact with a tick infected with Lyme varies with the season (spring, summer,etc.) and the region you live in.  When the temperature is above 40 degrees the ticks become active and feed.  For most of the U.S., the high risk months are from April until November.
    Some of the signs of a dog that has contracted Lyme disease may include:
  • arthritis
  • sudden onset of severe pain and lameness
  • fever
  • lethargy
  • loss of appetite
  • depression


     Some of the steps you can take to protect your dog(s), and your family, from the Lyme disease carrying ticks are to:
 

  • routinely check your pets when they have been outside in tall grass and brush.
  • brush your dog regularly, especially after a hike in the woods,
  • use a flea and tick collar, baths and dips as recommended by your vet,
  • regularly mow and cut down brush where your dog plays
  • treat your yard with a tick-killing spray that has been recommended by your vet,
  • ask your vet about vaccinating your dog for Lyme disease.
    If you are concerned that your dog has contracted Lyme disease, either by observing ticks on the dog, or living in an area that may be infected with Lyme disease carrying ticks, contact your veterinarian.  He'll have the most recent tests and treatments available for treating this disease.
 



 

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