Lyme Disease: VCA Hospitals tell us, Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete (type of bacterium), Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected tick. Once in the bloodstream, the Lyme disease organism is carried to many parts of the body and is likely to localize in joints or kidneys. Symptoms start to show within 2-5 months. Symptoms: Lameness, lethargy, fever, limping & possible vomiting.
Ehrlichiosis: Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne infectious disease of dogs, usually carried by the brown dog tick. Signs of Ehrlichiosis can be divided into three stages: acute (early disease), sub-clinical (no outward signs of disease), and clinical or chronic (long-standing infection). Symptoms: Fever, swollen lymph nodes, respiratory distress, weight loss, possible neurological issues, and more.
Anaplasmosis: Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the infectious bacterial organism Anaplasma phagocytophilum. It is transmitted by the deer tick, Western black legged tick and the brown dog tick. Symptoms: Lethargy, fever, lameness, weight loss, lack of appetite. If not treated early, more serious symptoms can develop: like vomiting, diarrhea, doughing, respiratory distress and even seizu
Heartworm Disease: Heartworm Disease is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body. It is transferred to a dog through a mosquito bite. Symptoms: coughing and exercise intolerance, labored breathing. Some dogs show no signs which is why annual testing is critical to keep them healthy.
Testing and Prevention: 4DX test and monthly prevention: During your annual vet appointment, ask your vet to test for all tick borne diseases instead of just a Heartworm test. A 4DX is a blood test that checks to see if your dog has is positive for heartworm disease and the five tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys).
