What is the disease in dogs caused by a tick bite called? - briefly
The illness transmitted to dogs by tick bites is Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It can produce fever, joint inflammation, and kidney dysfunction if not treated.
What is the disease in dogs caused by a tick bite called? - in detail
Lyme disease is the most common tick‑borne illness affecting dogs. It is transmitted when an infected Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus tick feeds for at least 24–48 hours, injecting the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi into the host’s bloodstream.
Clinical signs appear 2–5 weeks after exposure and vary from subtle to severe. Typical manifestations include:
- Lameness due to inflammatory joint disease, often shifting from one limb to another
- Fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Kidney involvement (Lyme nephritis) in susceptible breeds, leading to protein‑losing nephropathy
Diagnosis relies on a combination of history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Serologic assays (ELISA followed by Western blot) detect antibodies against B. burgdorferi. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on joint fluid or tissue may confirm active infection, especially in cases with ambiguous serology.
Treatment protocols consist of a 4‑week course of doxycycline (10 mg/kg orally twice daily). In dogs with renal complications, additional supportive therapy such as ACE inhibitors, dietary protein restriction, and immunosuppressive agents may be required.
Prevention strategies focus on tick control and vaccination. Monthly topical or oral acaricides reduce tick attachment. The canine Lyme vaccine (e.g., Lymerix, Recombitek) stimulates an immune response against outer‑surface protein A, decreasing the likelihood of infection after a bite.
Prognosis is favorable when the disease is identified early and appropriate antibiotics are administered. Chronic joint inflammation or renal failure may persist in untreated or late‑stage cases, underscoring the importance of prompt veterinary assessment after known tick exposure.