Lyme Disease is a disease that is highly contagious, and it is important to make sure your dog is vaccinated for it. Read on to learn more about this disease, including symptoms, vaccination, and follow-up care.
Symptoms
Lyme disease in dogs is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by infected ticks. It can affect a variety of organ systems and if left untreated, can lead to severe complications.
A common symptom of Lyme disease in dogs is fever. Dogs with this disease may also experience loss of appetite and lethargy.
Another symptom of Lyme disease is a bullseye rash. The rash looks like a target, and it is the earliest symptom of the disease. If your dog has a rash, it is important to see a veterinarian to rule out Lyme disease.
Some of the more severe Lyme disease symptoms include joint pain, heart problems and kidney damage. In some cases, the infection will cause irreversible kidney failure. This can significantly reduce the quality of life for your pet.
While antibiotics can treat the infection, they are not always effective. Depending on the severity of the illness, it can require a second round of treatment.
Diagnosis
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is most commonly spread by ticks. Ticks live in tall grasses and forests, and are most active during the spring and summer months. If your dog has spent time in an area that may have been infected with ticks, you should take him or her to the vet for testing and treatment.
Infection with the Lyme bacteria is a serious medical condition. It can result in long-term neurological, cardiac and kidney complications, if left untreated. However, it is treatable. Your veterinarian can make a diagnosis and prescribe the right course of antibiotics.
Depending on the extent of your dog’s infection, a vet will probably prescribe antibiotics for about four weeks. A second round may be needed if the infection continues. Antibiotics can also help reduce swelling of joints and limbs.
In some cases, a veterinarian will prescribe steroids or anti-inflammatory medication. This can ease pain and relieve stiffness in a dog’s joints.
Vaccine
Pfizer is developing a vaccine for Lyme disease, but they aren’t the only company working on it. French biotech firm Valneva recently announced a collaboration with the pharmaceutical company, and they plan to enroll 6,000 participants in a phase 3 clinical trial.
The vaccine would protect humans from Borrelia burgdorferi, a spiral-shaped bacterium that causes Lyme disease. A human monoclonal antibody is expected to provide seasonally protection against Lyme disease.
Pfizer plans to start a phase 3 trial soon, and is looking to enroll adults and children in the study. Researchers will monitor immune responses to the vaccine and the vaccine’s safety.
Pfizer’s vaccine targets six different strains of bacteria that are found in the tick’s gut. The vaccine is administered over five to nine months. It’s followed by a booster shot 12 months later.
According to the company, the market for immunization is growing because of the increased prevalence of Lyme disease around the world. This new vaccine would also be the first commercially available vaccine for the disease in the U.S., although it could take years to reach the market.
Follow-up care
One of the most important things you can do to protect your dog from Lyme disease is to give your dog a tick preventative. This will eliminate the ticks before they can transmit the bacteria. If your dog is exposed to Lyme disease, he will need antibiotics to treat the infection.
A tick that is infected with Borrelia burgdorferi can easily infect a dog. In addition, ticks are able to spread the disease to other animals.
Some symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs are swollen lymph nodes, lameness, loss of appetite, and fever. Your veterinarian will need to perform blood tests and diagnostic tests to determine whether your dog is infected.
There are several vaccines available for Lyme disease. The vaccines can protect most dogs from becoming infected. However, you will need to re-vaccinate your pet on an annual basis to ensure he is protected from the disease.
You should also take steps to control ticks in your yard. Ticks live in tall grasses, forests, and marshy areas near bodies of water.
