Lyme disease is an infectious disease cause by the bite of an infected tick. This disease can be very dangerous for both people and pets. An article was posted recently by the Daily Inter Lake about a dog recovering from twin tick infections. Here’s the story.
Hopkins, a border collie from Montana, was recently bit by a tick and infected with Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. His owners found a tick on him, quickly disposed of it, and moved on with their normal routine. Days later, they noticed Hopkins became lethargic, a warning sign of Lyme disease. When they realized his nose and muzzle were hot, they took him to the vet.
Sure enough, Hopkins had been infected by a tick with Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Both diseases are typically treatable and effective, but Hopkins didn’t respond to his first round of antibiotics.
According to the article, pets with Lyme disease show recurrent lameness, with their steps shifting slowly and painfully from one leg to another, a characteristic Hopkins had illustrated. They also become lethargic, strike a fever and can have swelling in their lips and ears. Other signs are bloody noses, a stiff gait, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing and depression.
Hopkins had been out in a number of areas where he could have been infected. According to the CDC, Lyme disease is spread though the bite of infected ticks. If you pet is infected he cannot infect you, but he can carry infected ticks into your home.
Lyme disease cannot be transmitted through water, food or air.
Check yourself and your pet regularly for ticks. If you happen to find one, don’t crush it! It may contain infectious fluids. Instead, using a tweezer, place the tick in a container with alcohol or flush it down the toilet.
If you suspect your pet has been infected with Lyme disease, bring him or her down to one of the Bregman Vet Group locations to get checked. Below is a list of the locations. For more information, visit the Bregman Vet Group website linked here.
- The Cat Hospital- 2 Hillside Ave. Suite E. Williston Park NY 11596 (516)877-4131
- Midbrook Animal Hospital- 1899 Coney Island Ave. Brooklyn NY 11230 (718)645-7744
- 5th Avenue Cat Clinic- 225 5th Ave. Brooklyn NY 11215 (718)398-1187
- Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital- 99 North 9th St. Brooklyn NY 11211 (718)782-8387
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