Lyme Disease

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infectious disease spread by ticks no larger than the head of a pin. The bacterium is spiral-shaped and called a spirochete that is transmitted to mammals by the bite of the tick. In people, Lyme disease can show symptoms similar to those of the flu and Alzheimer's disease. If left untreated, it can lead to heart, kidney and neurologic complications as well as joint damage.

Symptoms to Watch For

There are a variety of symptoms that leave Lyme disease hard to detect. Initial infection may occur long before clinical signs appear.

Seldom do animals develop a rash that commonly occurs in people. The most common signs in animals are fever, loss of appetite, onset of lameness with no history of trauma or arthritis. These symptoms can develop within weeks of initial infection. In addition to these signs, horses and cows may have marked weight loss, spontaneous abortions or appear lame.

Treatment Available

Fortunately, there are treatments available for your beloved pets. Antibiotics have been shown to be effective in treating Lyme disease in both animals and humans in the early stages. If caught early enough, there is almost complete relief of lameness and pain within 24 hours. Although chronic cases respond slower and require longer periods of treatment they should eventually respond.

For more information call 1-800-PET-CLINIC