What is the disease in dogs transmitted by ticks called? - briefly
The tick‑borne illness affecting dogs is Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted primarily by Ixodes ticks. Symptoms include fever, lameness, joint inflammation, and the condition responds to appropriate antibiotic therapy.
What is the disease in dogs transmitted by ticks called? - in detail
The primary tick‑borne illness affecting canines is «Lyme disease». It is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which is introduced into the bloodstream when an infected ixodid tick, most often Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus, attaches for several days.
Clinical manifestations vary with disease stage. Early infection often produces fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and transient lameness due to joint inflammation. As the disease progresses, chronic arthritis, renal involvement (Lyme nephritis), and neurologic signs such as facial nerve paralysis may develop.
Diagnosis relies on a combination of factors:
- Serologic testing for antibodies (ELISA followed by Western blot confirmation)
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of bacterial DNA in joint fluid or tissue
- Clinical history of tick exposure and compatible signs
Effective therapy includes:
- Doxycycline administered orally at 5 mg/kg twice daily for 4 weeks as the first‑line agent
- Alternative antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, ceftriaxone) for dogs unable to tolerate doxycycline
- Supportive care for joint inflammation (non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs)
Prevention strategies focus on vector control and immunization:
- Regular application of acaricidal products (topical, collar, oral) to reduce tick attachment
- Annual vaccination with licensed canine Lyme vaccines, which stimulate antibodies against the outer‑surface protein A (OspA) of B. burgdorferi
Monitoring after treatment involves repeat serology or PCR to confirm bacterial clearance, especially in cases with renal involvement. Early detection and prompt antimicrobial therapy markedly improve prognosis and reduce the risk of long‑term complications.