La Lyme's deseaseCanine borreliosis, also known as canine borreliosis, is one of the most common diseases transmitted by ticks globally. Despite its prevalence, it is important to note that only about ten percent of infected dogs develop obvious clinical symptoms, making it a silent threat.
This condition It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (a spirochete). The process begins when an infected tick bites the animal and transmits the pathogen into the bloodstream. Once inside, the bacteria can travel to various target tissues, where it can remain dormant for some time before manifesting the most common clinical feature: the recurrent limp due to inflammation of the joints.
In Europe, the ticks most frequently implicated are those of the genus Ixodes ricinusThese parasites typically inhabit humid areas with abundant vegetation. It is crucial to understand that the risk of infection increases significantly the longer the parasite remains attached to the skin; generally, a period of between 24 and 48 hours for the bacteria to be transmitted. If the tick is detected and removed in less than 24 hours, the risk of infection is drastically reduced.
Know the symptoms of Lyme disease
The symptoms of Lyme disease are very broad and can vary considerably between individuals, often leading to confusion with other illnesses. Furthermore, symptoms can take anywhere from 3 to 30 days, or even several months (between 2 and 5 months in some cases), to manifest after the bite.
In general, three phases can be identified according to the evolution of the disease:
- Early Phase: It is characterized by fever, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches and, sometimes, swelling of the superficial lymph nodes near the bite area.
- Intermediate Phase: Here, intermittent limping, stiffness when moving, joint pain, and joint inflammation predominate.
- Severe or Chronic Cases: When the infection is left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage to the kidneys, heart (carditis), and central nervous system.
Regarding predisposition, it has been observed that it is a common condition in breeds such as Labradors and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Also, the young dogs Children are generally more susceptible than adults. Geographically, it is more common in the United States and Europe, especially in areas of the Midwest, the Atlantic coast, and the Pacific coast.
The shifting leg lameness
One of the most distinctive signs is the suffering of a certain type of limp due to joint inflammationThis is called shifting leg limp Because it's not constant: it can last three or four days, disappear for weeks, and then reappear, affecting the same limb or a different one. During these episodes, the joints may feel warm, swollen, and painful to the touch.
Kidney problems and glomerulonephritis
Lyme disease can progress to a renal disease serious. In particular, it can cause glomerulonephritiswhich is the inflammation of the red blood cells within the kidney. When a dog reaches this state, it is common to observe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, increased thirst (polydipsia), increased urination (polyuria) and abnormal accumulations of fluid (edema) in the abdomen or under the skin.
Other associated symptoms
There are other clinical manifestations that the owner should monitor, such as Extreme sensitivity to touch, walking with an arched back, difficulty breathing, cardiac abnormalities, persistent fever and a state of depression or general apathy.
How to treat Lyme disease in dogs
To address this disease, it is imperative that the veterinarian has a complete medical history of the pet. This allows identification of which organs are affected and guides the diagnosis. The detection process is complex since the symptoms are nonspecific and can be confused with the ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis (other tick-borne diseases).
The diagnosis is generally established by a combination of:
- History of exposure to tick-infested areas.
- Clinical signs observed.
- Laboratory tests (blood tests, urine tests and cell count).
- Response to antibiotic treatment.
Regarding the tests, the ELISA It is commonly used to detect antibodies, although a positive result only indicates exposure and not necessarily active disease. Other techniques such as PCR or culture are less reliable in daily clinical practice because the bacteria reside in tissues and do not usually circulate in the blood.
Pharmacological protocol and recovery
La Doxycycline is the most prescribed antibiotic to combat Borrelia burgdorferi, although other effective options exist depending on medical criteria. The standard duration of treatment It usually takes about four weeks.However, persistent cases may require longer periods. To improve the animal's well-being, the veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatories and analgesics that reduce swelling and joint pain.
It is essential to avoid self-medication and ensure the dog stays hydrated, which can be achieved by using wet food or specific broths. It should be noted that treatment does not always completely eliminate the bacteria; even if the symptoms disappear, there is a possibility that they may reappear in the future.
Causes and differential diagnoses
The veterinarian must differentiate Lyme-caused arthritis from other types. inflammatory disordersDifferential diagnoses include physical trauma, degenerative joint disease, osteochondrosis dissecans, and immune-mediated diseases. For this purpose, joint radiography is a valuable tool for examining bone structure.
Prevention of Canine Lyme Disease
Prevention is the most effective strategy. Since we can't tell by sight if a tick is infected, all bites should be considered risky. To protect your pet, follow these recommendations:
- Use of antiparasitics: Use collars, spot-on treatments, sprays, or oral tablets year-round. Consult your veterinarian about the most suitable product for your dog's weight and age, assessing whether the Scalibor necklace Is the best option.
- Daily coat check: After each walk, especially in areas with long grass or woods, thoroughly check ears, eyelids, nape of the neck, armpits, between the toes and around the tail for to know if my dog ​​has ticks.
- Correct extraction: If you find a tick, use tick tweezers. Grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards with steady pressure without crushing the parasite's body to avoid injecting bacteria. Then, disinfect the area with rubbing alcohol.
- Environmental control: Wash your dog's bed, blankets, and toys regularly. Clean floors and surfaces to remove any ticks that may have entered your home.
- Vaccination: In some countries, such as Spain, there is a vaccine against Lyme disease. It is not mandatory, but it is recommended for dogs living in endemic areas, as detailed in the Lyme disease in Spain.
Maintaining strict control of external parasites not only protects your dog's kidney and joint health, but also prevents ticks from infesting human family members. Early detection and consistent use of preventative measures are the best ways to ensure your furry friend enjoys outdoor adventures safely.
