Lyme borreliosis

What is Lyme borreliosis?

Lyme borreliosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia. These bacteria live in the intestines of ticks, which can transmit them to dogs or other animals when they suck blood. The most common tick species that transmits Lyme borreliosis is the common tick(Ixodes ricinus), which is found throughout Germany.

The Borrelia bacteria enter the dog's bloodstream through the tick bite and can multiply and spread there. They can infect various organs and tissues, such as the joints, skin, heart, kidneys or nervous system. This results in inflammation and damage, which can lead to various symptoms.

How do you recognize Lyme disease in dogs?

The symptoms of Lyme borreliosis in dogs can be very different and vary depending on the organ or tissue affected. They usually only appear several weeks or months after the tick bite, as the borrelia have a long incubation period. Some dogs show no symptoms at all or only very mild symptoms, which can easily be overlooked.

The most common symptoms of Lyme borreliosis in dogs are

• Fever: the dog has an elevated body temperature that is above 39°C. It may also shiver, shiver or appear apathetic.
• Lameness: The dog limps or shows pain in one or more joints. The lameness may be intermittent and shift from one leg to the other. The joints may also be swollen or warm.
• Loss of appetite: The dog eats less or not at all. It may also lose weight or appear emaciated.
• Fatigue: The dog is tired, listless or sleepy. He shows less interest in playing or going for walks.
• Skin changes: The dog has skin rashes, redness, swelling or hair loss at the site of the tick bite or on other parts of the body.

In rare cases, more serious symptoms may also occur, such as:

• Heart problems: The dog has an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath or fainting. This may indicate inflammation of the heart muscle or heart valves.
• Kidney problems: The dog has blood in the urine, increased thirst or frequent urination. This may indicate inflammation of the kidneys or renal insufficiency.
• Nerve problems: The dog has cramps, paralysis, incoordination or behavioral changes. This may indicate inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed in dogs?

If you notice one or more of the above symptoms in your dog, you should consult a vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid possible secondary damage.

The vet will first examine your dog thoroughly and ask you questions about its medical history. For example, they will want to know whether your dog has had contact with ticks, whether it has been vaccinated or whether it has any other illnesses.

There are various diagnostic methods that the vet can use to diagnose Lyme disease in dogs. The most common method is a blood test, which looks for antibodies against the Borrelia bacteria. Antibodies are antibodies that the dog's body produces to fight the bacteria. A positive blood test means that the dog has or has had an infection with Borrelia.

However, a blood test is not always conclusive, as not all dogs produce antibodies or these are only detectable at a late stage. In addition, a positive blood test can also indicate a previous infection that has already healed or has not caused any symptoms. Therefore, the blood test should always be interpreted in conjunction with the clinical symptoms and other examinations.

Another method is a joint punctate, in which a small amount of fluid is taken from an inflamed joint. This fluid is then examined under a microscope or with special tests for borrelia. A positive joint punctate means that the joint inflammation is caused by Borrelia.

Another method is a tissue biopsy, in which a small sample of skin, kidney or nerve tissue is taken. This sample is then examined under a microscope or with special tests for Borrelia bacteria. A positive tissue biopsy means that the affected tissue is infected with Borrelia.

How is Lyme borreliosis treated in dogs?

The treatment of Lyme borreliosis in dogs usually consists of administering antibiotics to kill the bacteria. The antibiotics are usually administered as tablets or injections and must be taken over a long period of time to ensure a complete cure. The duration and type of antibiotic therapy depend on the severity of the disease and the organ affected.

In addition to antibiotics, accompanying measures may also be recommended to alleviate the symptoms and support the healing process. These include, for example

• Anti-inflammatories: these medications work against pain and swelling in the joints or other organs.
• Painkillers: These medications work against acute pain caused by the inflammation.
• Diet: A special diet can help to improve or maintain kidney function if they have been damaged by the Borrelia bacteria.
• Rest: Adequate rest can help to protect and regenerate the dog's body.
• Physiotherapy: Targeted physiotherapy can help to maintain or improve mobility and the musculature of the joints.

The prognosis of Lyme disease in dogs depends on various factors, such as the time of diagnosis, the stage of the disease, the organ affected and the response to treatment. In many cases, full recovery can be achieved if treatment is started early and is carried out consistently. In some cases, however, permanent damage or secondary diseases can occur, such as chronic joint inflammation, kidney failure or nerve damage.

How can Lyme disease in dogs be prevented?

The best way to prevent Lyme disease in dogs is to avoid or reduce tick bites. There are various ways to do this, such as

• Tick repellents: there are various products designed to keep ticks away from dogs or kill them. These include, for example, collars, spot-ons or tablets that contain active ingredients that deter or kill ticks.