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Lyme disease is found in all states in the US but is more common in the mid-Atlantic, mid-western, north-eastern and western states. It is named after a town in Connecticut, where the first outbreak occurred and is caused by bacteria (Borelia burgdorferi) passed into the bloodstream by a tick (usually the deer tick in the US). Ticks carrying the Lyme disease bacteria can use animals other than deer as carriers, and Lyme disease has been found in many parts of the world including Europe, Australia, China and Japan.

The major symptom of Lyme disease is limping or lameness along with swelling of the lymph nodes, tenderness in the joints, loss of appetite, and a high fever. The heart, kidneys and nerves can also be affected. The disease progresses rapidly and within two to three days of being infected, an afflicted dog may be completely unable to walk. As in human Lyme disease, the symptoms are similar to those found in other conditions such as autoimmune disease, and because of this it is sometimes misdiagnosed.

The disease is treated by a course (generally three weeks) of strong antibiotics such as tetracyclines. If caught in time it is curable and should leave no permanent damage to the joint or internal organs. The earlier the diagnosis is made and the treatment is started, the better are the chances of a complete recovery. If treatment is left until later, the dog may become completely paralysed and even if it recovers it may well have recurring episodes of Lyme disease afterwards or chronic Lyme disease, and may have residual joint and nerve damage for life.

Lyme disease can be prevented by vaccinating the dog. The vaccine is not 100% effective, however but the newer vaccines are much more effective than the earlier versions. Another preventive method is to use an anti-tick medication such as Frontline or Revolution. The insecticide spreads via the oil in the dog's skin and will kill the ticks before they have been on the dog long enough to infect them. (The tick must be attached for over a day in order to infect the dog.)

It is also important to inspect your dog after every outing if you live in an area where ticks are present. Carefully pick off any ticks you find using tweezers as close to the dog's skin as possible. Try not to crush the tick. Unfortunately the deer tick is tiny and easy to miss.

Lyme disease is a serious ailment in dogs, but if caught early recovery is swift, and the dog should be walking well again within two to three days. This is not a disease that should be treated with home remedies!

For further information refer to:
http://www.thepetcenter.com /gen/lyme.html
http://www.worki ngdogs.com/doc0043.htm
http://w ww.caberfeidh.com/Lyme.htm
http ://healthierdogs.com/dog_healt h/lyme-disease-in-dogs-what-to -look-for/
http://www.marvistav et.com/html/body_lyme_disease. html

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