lyme disease dog

Lyme disease is a very common infectious disease in the northeast United States. It is also a very controversial topic amongst veterinarians because most dogs that test positive are not clinically ill. This makes it difficult to determine which dogs should be treated. Lyme disease also affects humans, so it is a topic of interest to everyone. The purpose of this article is to answer some commonly asked questions about Lyme disease and clear up some common misconceptions.
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease is transmitted to humans and dogs by the nymph and adult stages of the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis.
In New England, 50-75% of dogs tested may be positive for Lyme disease.

If my dog tests positive, does this necessitate treatment?

The answer to this will vary from dog to dog, and remains a point of controversy. Only about 10% of positive dogs will ever develop clinical illness from infection with the Lyme organism, so many veterinarians argue that treatment is not necessary for seemingly healthy dogs. Today we are fortunate to have two Lyme tests that assist us in determining if the infection is active / recent. If your dog tests positive on a screening test, you should discuss additional testing with your veterinarian to determine if treatment is warranted. In endemic areas (including Massachusetts), annual screening tests for Lyme disease are recommended.
If your dog does develop clinical illness from Lyme disease, the most common signs are lameness, fever, lethargy, and enlarged lymph nodes. Clinical illness is expected 2-5 months after infection. The majority of dogs respond very well to antibiotic treatment with Doxycycline or Amoxicillin.

Black-leggged ticks are small, so if I find a large tick on my dog, he/she can’t get Lyme disease, correct?

The larval and nymphal stages of all ticks are small, but an engorged adult tick can be quite large, so a lab would need to identify the tick to be sure your dog has not been bitten by a black-legged tick.

If I find a tick on my dog, should I go to the vet?

If you are comfortable removing the tick, you do not need to see your vet. The best way to remove a tick is to use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. The tick should then be removed by pulling straight out. Do not twist or crush the tick as you are removing it. Wash your hands after removing the tick to limit possible exposure to yourself.

How long does the tick need to be attached to transmit infection?

For Lyme disease to be contracted, the tick must be attached to your dog for at least 48 hours. Therefore, the best means of avoiding Lyme disease is to remove ticks as soon as they are found. Daily inspections of your dog are recommended, especially if they have been in wooded areas.
In addition to “tick checks,” we also strongly recommend topical parasiticides such as Frontline or Advantix (dogs only). There are several other tick products available, so please discuss the appropriate choice with your veterinarian. Be sure to avoid bathing or swimming for 24 hours after application of these topical products. Follow the application guidelines carefully for best efficacy.

Once a frost occurs, I don’t have to worry about ticks anymore until the following spring, correct?

Wrong. Adult ticks are active whenever the weather approaches or exceeds freezing. If there is snow cover, there won’t be much if any tick activity, but if we have several warm winter days in a row, the ticks may be active.

Can I get Lyme disease from my dog?

No, Lyme disease is not a zoonotic disease, meaning it cannot be directly transmitted from your dog to you. However, if a tick crawls off your dog and bites you, you can become infected.

Should I vaccinate my dog against Lyme disease?

There are several canine vaccines available to prevent Lyme disease. The need for this vaccine should be determined on a case by case basis following a discussion with your veterinarian. We recommend that all dogs be tested for Lyme disease before considering a vaccine. Some opponents of vaccination fear that if your dog is vaccinated and still contracts the disease, the symptoms will be worse. However this is based on experience with the human vaccine (no longer on the market), and has not been proven in dogs

Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world. Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium (borrelia burgdorferi) that is commonly transmitted to animal hosts by ticks.

Deer ticks, Western black-legged ticks, Taiga ticks and Sheep ticks (Castor Bean ticks) are the most common vector ticks for Lyme disease. These ticks and other kinds also carry different blood-born diseases such as Rocky mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, canine ehrlichiosis etc.

Basically, a tick bites an infected deer or rodent and then passes Lyme disease along to dogs and people by attaching itself to the skin for a blood meal.

Not all ticks are infected and carry the disease. But your dog is at higher risk for getting Lyme disease if he/she lives in an area with a high incidence of human Lyme disease. Whenever and wherever there is a wildlife area where rodents and deer live, there are ticks around.

Most dogs are able to resist the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, but between 5 and 10% of infected dogs develop the disease. As the bacteria evolves and becomes more virulent, an increasing number of dogs may develop the disease. Obviously, a dog bitten more often by ticks will also have increased risk.

The sooner a tick is removed the lesser the risk of a dog getting infected by Lyme disease, although the risk is never removed completely. Generally, removing an embedded adult tick within 24 hours will help prevent transmission of the disease. However, larval tick nymphs may transmit the bacteria faster than adult ticks.

The disease becomes more difficult to treat as the time between diagnosis and treatment increases.

Geographical Areas Affected

Transmission of the disease has been reported in dogs throughout the world. In the United States, lyme disease is most prevalent in the upper Midwestern states, the Atlantic seaboard, and the Pacific coastal states (the green states in the figure below). Highest instances of Lyme disease in the United States are found in the States of Delaware, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.

Global warming trends also mean tick populations worldwide are higher than in previous years, and therefore put dogs and people at greater risk of catching the disease. Also, the more urban areas encroach wilderness areas, the higher likelihood ticks will be encountered. In areas that have cold winters, ticks will be present during the warm months (spring and summer). In areas that are warm throughout the year, ticks will present year round.

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Cocker Spaniel

Description	The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, compact dog. The head is arched and looks slightly flattened when viewed from the side. The muzzle is the same length as the head with a defined stop. The nose is black or brown depending on the coat color. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The medium-sized, oval eyes are dark brown or hazel in liver-colored dogs. The ears are set low and hanging long covered in silky or wavy hair. The chest is deep and the front legs are straight. The topline is almost level, sloping slightly from the front to the back of the dog. The tail is usually docked. Note: docking the tail is illegal in most parts of Europe. The cat-like feet have tight arched toes. The hairs are medium length on the body but short and fine on the head. There is feathering on the ears, chest, abdomen and legs. Coat colors come in solid black, liver or red or parti coloring of white with black, liver or red markings or ticking. Many colors are admissible, but on solid color dogs white is acceptable only on the chest. There are sometimes tan markings on black, liver or parti-colored dogs. The parti color dogs are often called "roans." There is a blue roan which is a black and white parti where the hair intermingles with white giving it a blue appearance. The brown roan, chocolate roan or liver roan are brown and white parti color coats with brown hairs intermingling in the white. Orange roan, red roan, or strawberry roan are red and white parti color coats with red hairs intermingling with the white hairs. These coats sometimes have tan points. There are two types of English Cocker: field and show. The show types have longer coats than the field/working types.
Temperament	The English Cocker Spaniel is an intelligent, sturdy and robust dog. Lively, perky and lovable, pleasant, gentle, playful and affectionate, they are excellent with children. They are average barkers, and are willing and happy to listen to their owners. A superior companion dog. Generally an outgoing breed, taking to strangers easily, some individuals can be reserved without enough socialization. This breed can do well with family cats. There are two types, field lines and show lines (bench). Field types are bred for hunting and field trial work. The bench type is bred for conformation shows. Both types are energetic and need daily exercise, but field lines have a higher energy level, and need even more exercise. The dominancy level in this breed varies widely even within the same litter. They are sensitive to the tone of one's voice and will not listen if they sense they are stronger-minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. If you are not the type of person who can display a natural air of calm, but firm authority, then be sure to choose a pup that is more submissive. The temperament of both show and field lines vary widely, depending upon how the owners treat the dog and how much and what type of exercise they provide. Those individuals that are not taken for daily walks, allowed to believe they are alpha over humans and/or that are treated like little humans with four legs end up with a varying degree of behavior and/or temperament issues. Those individuals that are given consistent structure, calm, stern authority, with rules made clear and daily walks where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human have the best temperaments.
Height, weight	Height: Males 15 - 17 inches (38 - 43 cm) Females 14 - 16 inches (36 - 41 cm) Weight: Males 28-34 pounds (13 - 16 kg) Females 26 - 32 pounds (12 - 15 kg)
Health Problems	Prone to ear infections. During the summer, the ears should be checked often. Hanging close to the ground as they do, they can become host to ticks or burrs, often the cause of deafness. Gains weight easily; do not overfeed.
Living Conditions	The English Cocker Spaniel will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They do best with at least an average-sized yard.
Exercise	The English Cocker Spaniel enjoys as much exercise as you can give it. They need to be taken on a daily walk, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead. Dogs who are allowed to walk in front of the human instinctually believe they are alpha over humans, as in a dog's mind, the pack leader goes first.
Life Expectancy	About 12-15 years.
Grooming	Regular combing and brushing of the coat is important. Coat types vary within the breed. Some coats have an excess amount of cottony hair and are prone to matting, while others are more silky and flat-laying and are less prone to matting.  Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. Check the ears for grass seeds and signs of infection. Clean out excess wax regularly. Brush the hair on the feet down over the toes and trim it level with the base of the feet. Trim the hair around the pads, but not between the toes. Brush out burrs and tangles after the dog has been playing in the grassy fields or woods. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin	The English Cocker Spaniel is one of the oldest spaniels known. Originally known as a general spaniel-type dog that was imported into England centuries ago, the dogs were divided into seven different spaniel breeds: the English Springer, the Cocker Spaniel, the Clumber, the Sussex, the Welsh Springer, the Field, and the Irish Water. The Cocker and Springer Spaniels developed together, with only size differentiating them until 1892, when the Kennel Club of England recognized them as separate breeds. In 1946 the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs recognized the English Cocker Spaniel as a separate breed from the American Cocker Spaniel. The Cocker Spaniel is a hunting-gun dog able to work in difficult terrain in both wet and dry land. Excellent at flushing and retrieving game with a gentle mouth. It listens to commands well. The name "Cocker" comes from the woodcock, a game bird the dogs were known for flushing. Some of the English Cocker Spaniel’s talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, agility and competitive obedience.
Group	Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Rottweiler

Description	The Rottweiler has a muscular, massive, powerful body. The head is broad with a rounded forehead. The muzzle is well developed. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The wide nose is black. The lips are black and the inside of the mouth is dark. The medium-sized eyes are dark and almond shaped. Some Rottweilers have been known to have blue eyes or one blue and one brown eye. This trait is not recognized in the show world and does not meet the breed’s written standard. The ears are triangular and carried forward. The tail is customarily docked. Note: docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. Rear dewclaws are often removed. The chest is broad and deep. The coat is short, hard and thick. It is black with rust to mahogany markings on the cheeks, muzzle, paws and legs. A red color with brown markings also exists. There is a deficiency in the hair gene that makes the coloring a lighter red. German Rottweiler vs. American Rottweiler: some claim there are variations of Rotties, the German Rottweiler and the American Rottweiler. German Rotties are said to be shorter, stockier and have a bigger, blockier head, while American Rotties are said to be taller and leggier without as blocky a head. Others claim a Rottweiler is a Rottweiler and there is no such thing as a German Rottie. Some who have stated this argument have said, "A German Rottweiler is one born in Germany and an American Rottweiler is born in America." In any case, there are breeders breeding for the German Rottweiler look, which falls outside the AKC standard, while others are breeding for the American Rottweiler look, sticking to, or closer to, the AKC standard.
Temperament	The Rottie is powerful, calm, trainable, courageous and devoted to its owner and family. Loyal and protective, it will defend its family fiercely if needed, seemingly immune to pain. Serious, even-tempered, brave, confident and courageous, this breed needs an owner who is strong minded, calm, but firm and able to handle this dog’s massive size. The Rottie is a docile, natural guard dog with a laid-back, reliable temperament. It is highly intelligent and has proven its worth beyond question in police, military and customs work over many centuries and can be trained for competitive obedience. Because of its size, training should begin when the dog is a small puppy. This breed needs a lot of leadership and socialization. It will not be happy confined to a kennel or backyard. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a success. When the Rottweiler receives consistent leadership and is trained, it will be a good playmate for the children. It will accept cats, other dogs and other household pets as long as the dog has been socialized well and has owners who assert their authority over the dog. Friends and relatives of the family are normally enthusiastically welcomed. Strangers from whom the dog senses bad intentions can get no further than the sidewalk.
Height, Weight	Height: Males 24 - 27 inches (61 - 69 cm) Females 22 - 25 inches (56 - 63 cm) Weight: Males 95 - 130 pounds (43 - 59 kg) Females 85 - 115 pounds (38 - 52 kg)
Health Problems	This breed is susceptible to ACL damage. Prone to hip dysplasia. Also prone to entropion (narrowing of the slit between the eyelids). Tends to snore. Can overeat easily.
Living Conditions	The Rottie will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. These dogs are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.
Exercise	The Rottweiler needs plenty of exercise. You can't give these robust dogs too much work or exercise; they thrive on it. They need to be taken on a daily walk or jog. Running in the woods and in open country makes them very happy and they have no desire to wander from you. Swimming or running beside a bicycle are perfect activities for this dog and it also loves retrieving a ball.
Life Expectancy	About 10-12 years
Litter Size	Large litters; often can have 10 - 12 puppies.
Grooming	The smooth, glossy coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin	he Rottweiler is probably descended from the Italian Mastiff , which accompanied the herds that the Romans brought with them when they invaded Europe. During the Middle Ages, it was used as a herder, as a guard, messenger dog, draught dog and for police work. It was bred in the German town of Rottweiler in Wurttemberg. Practically extinct in the 1800s, the breed population began a comeback in the early twentieth century due to the efforts of enthusiastic breeders centered in Stuttgart. In Germany on January 13, 1907, the DRK (Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (German Rottweiler Club)) was established. Shortly after on April 27, 1907, the SDRK (Süddeutscher Rottweiler-Klub (South German Rottweiler Club)) was formed, which later became the IRK (International Rottweiler Club). The Rottweiler standard was then set. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1931. Some of the Rottweiler's talents include: tracking, herding, watchdog, guarding, search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind, police work, carting, competitive obedience and Schutzhund.
Group	Mastiff, AKC Working