Lyme Disease is in your back yard!

Yesterday, I had a friend who called, needing information about Lyme Disease. His brother's dog had contracted the disease and was being treated by his veterinarian. The dog was not doing well and was in a great deal of pain. My friend was concerned about what the dog's future looked like. Would he ever regain his health and would he have a decent quality of life?

Lyme Disease is one of the fastest growing communicable disease in New York State and the most prevalent tick-borne disease in the country. It is an illness caused by the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected deer tick. Although not all ticks carry the disease, in some areas, as many as 50% or more of the ticks may be infected.*

Lyme Disease affects animals differently and many display no clinical signs at all. In my friend's case, there were classic symptoms of limping, pain, lymph node swelling and fever. However, here at NHAH, we have tested many patients with no sypmtoms at all and their test results have come back positive.

All dogs are at risk of contracting Lyme Disease. If your dog spends time in wooded or grassy areas, and lives in this part of the country, your dog is very susceptible to contracting this disease. The risk of infection in dogs is likely greater than in humans because exposure is greater.

To help prevent your dog from becoming infected with Lyme Disease, consider having your dog vaccinated with Recombitek Lyme vaccine. Apply tick control every month, even in cold weather. It takes only one day of 32 degree weather for ticks to become active. Brush your dog frequently and if you find a tick attached, remove it promptly with tweezers.

Above all, remember, these same ticks can transmit Lyme Disease to you or your family members as well. Be aware, and do what you can to avoid tick exposure. In my friend's case, only time will tell if the dog will get better. Aggressive and appropriate treatments often do work. However, prevention is always the best option.


*Statistics taken from NYSVMS Lyme Disease Brochure