Lyme disease a concern for dogs

If caught in early stages, the disease is easily cured.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Lyme disease is a dangerous threat to dogs, but few Ohio dog owners are aware of the risks their pets run, signs their dogs have contracted the bacteria, and means to avoid the disease.
Humans are also susceptible to Lyme disease.
A 2005 survey of 1,000 U.S. dog owners and 100 Ohio dog owners conducted by IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., with support from the American Lyme Disease Foundation, found only 3 percent of Ohio owners were concerned about their dogs contracting the disease.
The Spring Canine Lyme Disease Advisory said dogs may develop heart disease, central nervous system disorders or fatal kidney disease after being infected with the bacteria.
The ALDF said Lyme disease is easily cured if diagnosed and treated with antibiotics in its early stages; rarely does Lyme disease result in permanent damage.
Local cases
Dr. Donald K. Allen, of Dr. Donald K. Allen Veterinarian Inc. in Youngstown, said Lyme disease is present in Ohio.
"I've had maybe half a dozen cases test positive in this area in the past two years. One dog probably contracted the disease near Presque Isle, so I'd say the entire Northeast corner has it," he said.
Lyme disease is carried by deer ticks. Dr. Allen said Northeast Ohio has a fairly high deer population, which contributes to the prevalence of Lyme disease.
Dogs contract Lyme disease only from deer tick bites. The disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium that lives in the gut of deer ticks. Deer tick season is from September through April, Allen said, although dogs can contract the disease any time.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Lyme disease has a typical incubation period of seven to 14 days, but it may be as short as three days or as long as 30 days.
Symptoms
The Spring Canine Lyme Disease Advisory listed symptoms including recurrent arthritis, lameness that lasts three to four days, loss of appetite, depression, reluctance to move, elevated temperature, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. However, Dr. Allen said some dogs show no symptoms when they contract the disease.
Dr. Allen said ticks migrate to the head and neck area. He recommended Ticktrol, a collar with active ingredient amitraz, and topical treatments Frontline Top Spot and Advantix to help control ticks. There is also a Lyme disease vaccine.
Dr. Allen said dogs are tested for Lyme disease when they are tested for heartworm and Ehrlichia.
Humans also are susceptible to Lyme disease from deer tick bites. The CDC listed symptoms including elevated temperature, fatigue, muscle aches and characteristic "bull's-eye" rash.
Prevention
To help prevent contracting Lyme disease, Dr. Allen recommended wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts, and tucking pant bottoms into socks. He said light-colored clothing helps make dark ticks more visible, and suggested hiking partners check each other for ticks.
Dr. Allen suggested visiting the vet or doctor if it is possible Lyme disease is contracted. However, he cautioned that tests can sometimes be falsely negative because of the incubation period.