Canine Distemper Virus
For many years canine distemper virus was the most feared of the viral diseases affecting dogs. Parvovirus may have surpassed it in this regard but it is still a deadly virus that kills dogs and other members of the canine family. It is also infective to ferrets, mink, weasels and their kin among the Mustelidae family as well as raccoons, pandas and other members of the Procyonidae family. Recently it is believed to be the culprit in the death of a number of African lions. Canine distemper virus is an RNA virus from the morbillivirus family. In humans, measles is caused by a member of this virus family. Distemper virus is more likely to affect puppies than older dogs. This is probably due immunity acquired through vaccination or exposure to the virus naturally, leading to immunity.
It can affect dogs of any age, though. It causes very variable clinical signs which makes ruling it out in a young sick dog a difficult process. In some dogs a transient fever, perhaps accompanied by a lack of appetite or mild depression may be the only signs of onset of distemper. Other dogs are affected by a systemic illness with nasal and ocular discharges, coughing, fever, depression, lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. It is not uncommon for dogs to have some but not all signs associated with this disease. Since the inapparent infections often go undiagnosed and the severe infections often are present in dogs who die from distemper virus the mortality rate of canine distemper was always thought to be very high. Over time, it was recognized that a number of dogs were surviving the initial infection only to develop neurologic signs from one to a few weeks after infection. Seizures, behavioral changes, walking in circles and other ambulatory problems commonly develop.
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Many dogs who develop neurologic signs develop rhythmic motions or "tics". These are known as chorea. Sometimes affected dogs appear to be chewing gum due to the steady contractions of the muscles of the head. Dogs that survive both the initial infection and subsequent neurologic disease may go on to develop retinal damage, corneal discoloration or extreme hardness of the skin of the nose or foot pads. Infection with the distemper virus can be hard to diagnose with certainty. It is not uncommon for puppies with suggestive clinical signs to have a recent vaccination for the virus. This makes it hard to judge infection by antibody titers in many instances. There is a latent period from the time the virus enters a dog's body until clinical signs appear of approximately 10 to 14 days which means that puppies already infected may be vaccinated before clinical signs appear. The vaccination is not likely to be effective in preventing the disease when it is given after infection occurs. Sometimes the virus can be identified in infected tissues using immunofluorescent techniques.
This works in the white blood cells several days after infection and in conjunctival (the pink part of the eye area) swabs up to 21 days after infection. Inclusion cysts may be seen in conjunctival swabs as well. General blood chemistry and blood cell count values are usually pretty uninformative when distemper is present. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) taps may indicate antibodies to distemper virus and increased protein. X-rays may show signs of pneumonia that are typical for viral infection but not definite for distemper virus alone.
In many instances the course of the disease finally provides the diagnosis as initial signs of a generalized illness change to neurologic signs over time. At present there is no specific treatment to kill the distemper virus. General supportive care and control of neurologic signs such as seizures may result in a reasonable recovery from this infection. This may be a long term project, though. Prevention of infection is the best way to deal with canine distemper. Adequate vaccination of puppies is necessary. Veterinarians tend to begin vaccinations for this disease at approximately 6 weeks of age and continue until 12 or even 16 weeks of age at 3 to 4 week intervals. The vaccine is repeated due to interference with vaccination from antibodies passed to puppies in the mother's milk. These antibodies prevent the vaccine from working in about 75% of puppies at six weeks of age, about 25% of puppies at nine weeks of age and only a very few puppies at twelve weeks of age.
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The first vaccination is therefore an attempt to treat the 25% of puppies who are susceptible and the follow-up vaccinations are given to eventually provide protection to almost all puppies who receive vaccination. Some strains of distemper vaccine provide nearly lifelong immunity after the initial series and one-year booster while other strains provide a shorter duration of immunity. Some puppies develop signs of canine distemper following vaccination even though they do not appear to have the disease. In these puppies encephalitis occurs. This can be fatal, although most puppies probably recover. Canine distemper virus is shed in all body secretions from infected animals.
Dogs may spread the virus for several weeks during the illness and subsequent recovery period. The virus is not especially stable in the environment, probably lasting no more than a few weeks. It is susceptible to disinfectants, especially the quaternary ammonium compounds such as Roccal (TM). The incidence of canine distemper infections is much lower than in the past. Good vaccination practices are almost certainly a big part of the reduction in cases of distemper. It is still present all over the world and continued vigilance on the part of veterinarians and dog owners is necessary to prevent a resurgence of this deadly illness.
What is tracheobronchitis?
Tracheobronchitis is an infectious disease of the upper airway caused by several different bacterial and viral agents. The disease is also known as “kennel cough” and usually occurs in young dogs. The disease is contagious and affected dogs have a history of exposure to other animals either through boarding, animal shelters, or other high population areas.
What are the signs of tracheobronchitis?
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Animals effected with kennel cough suddenly develop a harsh cough which may be worse after exercise or excitement. The cough may be productive or nonproductive. There is usually a history of exposure to other dogs. Other than the presence of the cough, dogs usually feel well and act normally with only minor effects on appetite or attitude. Kennel cough can predispose animals to secondary infections and pneumonia. Because of the severity of these diseases, signs such as yellow or greenish nasal discharge, fever, decreased activity or appetite, should prompt you to seek immediate veterinary assistance.
What is the treatment of tracheobronchitis?
Treatment of kennel cough is usually supportive as the disease runs its course. Exercise restriction may be necessary. Also, medications such as cough suppressants or antibiotics may be prescribed by your veterinarian. Generally the disease usualy improves over a few days with complete resolution within 20 days to one month.
What can I do to prevent tracheobronchitis?
Vaccination is currently the most effective means we have at controlling kennel cough. Because the disease is caused by several different agents, the vaccine is not 100 % effective, but does give your dog a good chance at resisting the disease. Also, avoiding high risk situations may reduce the risks your pet will develop kennel cough.
Canine Parvovirus
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Q: What is canine parvovirus?
A: Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies, dogs, and wild canids. It was first identified in 1978 and is seen worldwide.
Q: How is parvovirus spread?
A: Puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest virus that is passed in the feces (stool) of an infected dog. Canine parvovirus is resistant to changes in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces containing parvovirus may serve as reservoirs of infection and the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects. Canine parvovirus affects dogs and other canids, but not other types of animals or people.
Q: What dogs are at risk?
A: All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than four months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine parvovirus are at increased risk of acquiring the disease. Certain breeds (e.g. Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher) appear to have a high risk of experiencing severe disease.
Q: What are some signs of parvovirus infection?
A: Canine parvovirus causes lethargy; loss of appetite; fever; vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours following onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian promptly.
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Q: How is canine parvovirus diagnosed and treated?
A: Veterinarians diagnose canine parvovirus on the basis of clinical appearance and laboratory tests. No specific drug is available that will kill the virus in infected dogs. Treatment should be started immediately and consists primarily of efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections. Sick dogs should be kept warm, receive good nursing care, and be separated from other dogs. Proper cleaning and disinfection of contaminated kennels and other areas where infected dogs are housed is essential to control the spread of parvovirus.
Q: How is parvovirus prevented?
A: Vaccination and good hygiene are critical components of canine parvovirus prevention.
Vaccination—Vaccination is important. Young puppies are very susceptible to infection, particularly because the natural immunity provided in their mothers' milk may wear off before the puppies' own immune systems are mature enough to fight off infection. If a puppy is exposed to canine parvovirus during this gap in protection, it may become ill. An additional concern is that immunity provided by a mother's milk may interfere with an effective response to vaccination. This means even vaccinated puppies may occasionally succumb to parvovirus. To narrow gaps in protection and provide optimal protection against parvovirus during the first few months of life, a series of puppy vaccinations are administered.
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To protect their adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that their dog's parvovirus vaccination is up-to-date. Ask your veterinarian about a recommended vaccination program for your canine companion.
Hygiene—Until a puppy has received its complete series of vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when bringing their pet to places where young puppies congregate (e.g. pet shops, parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments). Reputable establishments and training programs reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations, health examinations, good hygiene, and isolation of ill puppies and dogs. Contact with known infected dogs and their premises should always be avoided.
Finally, do not allow your puppy or dog to come into contact with the fecal waste of other dogs while walking or playing outdoors. Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always advisable as a way to limit spread of canine parvovirus infection.
Although this information provides basic information about canine parvovirus,
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your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about canine parvovirus and its prevention.
Rabies
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and dogs most often reported rabid.
Rabies virus infects the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and ultimately death. Early symptoms of rabies in humans are nonspecific, consisting of fever, headache, and general malaise. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.
Public health importance of rabies
Over the last 100 years, rabies in the United States has changed dramatically. More than 90% of all animal cases reported annually to CDC now occur in wildlife; before 1960 the majority were in domestic animals. The principal rabies hosts today are wild carnivores and bats.. The number of rabies-related human deaths in the United States has declined from more than 100 annually at the turn of the century to one or two per year in the1990's. Modern day prophylaxis has proven nearly 100% successful. In the United States, human fatalities associated with rabies occur in people who fail to seek medical assistance, usually because they were unaware of their exposure.
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Cost of rabies prevention
Although human rabies deaths are rare, the estimated public health costs associated with disease detection, prevention, and control have risen, exceeding $300 million annually. These costs include the vaccination of companion animals, animal control programs, maintenance of rabies laboratories, and medical costs, such as those incurred for rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Accurate estimates of these expenditures are not available. Although the number of PEPs given in the United States each year is unknown, it is estimated to be about 40,000. When rabies becomes epizootic or enzootic in a region, the number of PEPs in that area increases. Although the cost varies, a course of rabies immune globulin and five doses of vaccine given over a 4-week period typically exceeds $1,000. The cost per human life saved from rabies ranges from approximately $10,000 to $100 million, depending on the nature of the exposure and the probability of rabies in a region.
The cost of rabies worldwide
Customarily, the level of international resources committed to the control of an infectious disease is a response to the associated human morbidity and mortality. For most infectious diseases, these data adequately reflect the deserved public health attention. It is difficult, however, to estimate the global impact of rabies by using only human mortality data. Because vaccines to prevent human rabies have been available for more than 100 years, most deaths from rabies occur in countries with inadequate public health resources and limited access to preventive treatment. These countries also have few diagnostic facilities and almost no rabies surveillance.
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Underreporting is a characteristic of almost every infectious disease in developing countries, and increasing the estimated human mortality does not in itself increase the relative public health importance of rabies. There is, however, one often neglected aspect of rabies that does affect perception of its importance. Rabies is not, in the natural sense, a disease of humans. Human infection is incidental to the reservoir of disease in wild and domestic animals; therefore, a more accurate projection of the impact of rabies on public health should include an estimate of the extent to which the animal population is affected and the expense involved in preventing transmission of rabies from animals to humans.
An additional figure is needed to complete the global picture of rabies. The best estimates of the impact of rabies on a country and the public health resources available within that country for rabies control are found in data for the number and distribution of cases of rabies in domestic animals. Despite evidence that control of dog rabies through programs of animal vaccination and elimination of stray dogs can reduce the incidence of human rabies, exposure to rabid dogs is still the cause of over 90% of human exposures to rabies and of over 99% of human deaths worldwide.
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The cost of these programs prohibits their full implementation in much of the developing world, and in even the most prosperous countries the cost of an effective dog rabies control program is a drain on public health resources. The estimated annual expenditure for rabies prevention in the United States is over US$300 million, most of which is spent on dog vaccinations. An annual turnover of approximately 25% in the dog population necessitates revaccination of millions of animals each year, and reintroduction of rabies through transport of infected animals from outside a controlled area is always a possibility should control programs lapse. Reservoirs of wildlife rabies, virtually unknown in Asia and tropical regions, are also potential sources of rabies infection for dogs in Europe and North America.
For more detailed information on the economic effects of rabies, see:
Fishbein, D.B., Miranda, N.J., Merrill, P., Camba, R.A., Meltzer, M., Carlos, E.T., Bautista, C. F., Sopungco, P.V., Mangahas, L.C., Hernandez, L.M., Leoncio, M.M., Mercado, D., Gregorio, S., Salva, E., Dobbins, J.G., & Winkler, W.G. (1991). Rabies control in the Republic of the Philippines: benefits and costs of elimination. Vaccine,9, 581-588.
Uhaa, I.J., Dato, V.M., Sorhage, F.E., Beckley, J.W., Roscoe, D.E., Gorsky, R.D., & Fishbein, D.B. (1992). Benefits and costs of using an orally absorbed vaccine to control rabies in raccoons. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 201(12), 1873-1882.
Meltzer, M.I. & Rupprecht, C.E. (1998). A review of the economics of the prevention and control of rabies -- Part 1: global impact and rabies in humans. Pharmacoeconomics, 14(4), 365-383.
Meltzer, M.I. & Rupprecht, C.E. (1998). A review of the economics of the prevention and control of rabies -- Part 2: rabies in dogs, livestock and wildlife. Pharmacoeconomics,14(5), 481-498.
Meltzer, M.I. (1996). Assessing the costs and benefits of an oral vaccine for raccoon rabies: a possible model. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2, 343-349.
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Infectious canine hepatitis
Infectious canine hepatitis is a contagious but preventable viral disease that can kill dogs, especially puppies, if not treated promptly.
Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the liver and other organs, and is caused by Canine Adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). It is spread only among domestic dogs and wild dogs such as wolves, coyotes, and foxes and is not related to human hepatitis. Symptoms range widely, from mild to severe, and include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, light-colored stool, and stomach enlargement.
The liver is an important organ that performs many vital jobs, including manufacturing blood proteins, fats, and clotting substances, storing energy as glycogen to be used as blood sugar, storing fat-soluble vitamins and iron, detoxifying drugs and chemicals, secreting bile for good digestion, and filtering harmful bacteria from the blood. Any disturbance of liver function is a serious matter that can produce a large number of symptoms, and it should be treated immediately.
A dog can catch CAV-1 through direct contact with an infected animal or contaminated objects (e.g., food dishes or feces). Other modes of transmission are by inhalation or
via fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Four to seven days after exposure, the virus multiplies and begins to be shed in the feces, saliva, and urine, making this early period the most contagious. It travels from the tonsils to the lymph nodes and then passes into the blood stream, where it remains for up to eight days. Eventually it ends up in the liver, kidneys, eyes, and other organs, where it can cause extensive cell damage.
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Dogs with healthy immune systems can fight the virus by producing antibodies. However, the virus can remain in the kidneys and be shed in the urine for up to nine months, posing a threat to other dogs. The most serious cases of ICH occur in unvaccinated puppies, but dogs of all ages are susceptible.
Dogs with the acute form of ICH, which can last a week, may require hospitalization. They develop high fevers, vomiting and diarrhea, and will appear depressed and refuse to eat. Their stomachs look tucked up because of the pain from liver swelling. Their eyes tear because they are sensitive to light. Other symptoms are tonsillitis, laryngitis, pale gums, tongue, and nose, swollen lymph nodes, and yellowing of the whites of the eyes.
The fatal form of ICH is characterized by bleeding from the nose and gums, bloody vomit and diarrhea, an enlarged abdomen because of fluid leakage from a damaged liver, disorientation, seizures, coma, and death, usually within five days. Sudden death can also occur within a matter of hours, particularly in infected puppies, with no obvious symptoms.
Fortunately, most cases of ICH are mild. The dog may run a fever, act lethargic, and lose his appetite, but he will improve within two days.
About one-quarter of dogs with acute ICH--usually those who are under six months old--develop "blue eye," a usually temporary clouding of the cornea of one or both eyes caused by antibodies that attach to the virus present in the eye. Inflammation and fluid accumulation in the eye's interior results, causing the cloudiness. Blue eye occasionally lasts for more than six months, and sometimes may cause permanent eye damage, including glaucoma.
After recovery from ICH, the liver will be able to repair itself, but the dog will be more susceptible to kidney infections because of the amount of time the virus can remain in the kidneys. However, he will never be reinfected with ICH.
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The diagnosis of ICH is based on a history of exposure to the virus, clinical symptoms, a physical exam, and lab work such as a urinalysis and blood tests to check for antibodies.
A new testing kit called ELISA can detect the virus in the feces of infected dogs.
There is no cure for ICH. Treatment is supportive, and may include intravenous fluid replacement, fasting, blood transfusions, enemas, antibiotics, and eye drops to reduce inflammation.
Alternative practitioners also recommend fasting in the initial stages of the illness, followed by a period of small, frequent, easily digested meals. Vitamin C and homeopathic remedies may help. A diet of lean meat, eggs, beans, grains, and raw foods will help the dog recover strength.
Because ICH can cause serious organ damage, veterinarians recommend vaccination against the virus. CAV-1 and its cousin CAV-2 are so closely related that vaccinating for either one will prevent ICH as well as kennel cough, another contagious canine disease.
Pregnant females protect their litters by transferring their own antibodies against CAV-1 to the fetuses during gestation and through their milk after birth. However, this protection is only temporary. Vaccination against CAV-1 results in protection in 95% of puppies twelve weeks old and older. Two injections are recommended, the first by ten weeks of age and the second by fourteen weeks of age, with boosters either every year or every three years. Veterinarians vary in their opinions of how often boosters should be given.
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Coronavirus enteritis, Viral enteritis
Provided by - VetCentric.com
AffectedAnimals:
Dogs, cats, humans, cattle, pigs, horses, chickens, rats, and mice. Different members of the coronavirus family have a predilection for specific species; thus, a coronavirus infection in the dog is highly unlikely to be contagious to a person or other animal.
Overview:
Usually, when a dog contracts coronavirus, the worse case scenario is that the animal will suffer from diarrhea and related symptoms for several days. Puppies that are infected by the virus, however, can develop severe dehydration from persistent vomiting and diarrhea caused by the inflammation occurring in the small intestine. These severely affected puppies will often require veterinary attention to provide the supportive care necessary to fight off the infection. The coronavirus is transmitted when a dog ingests feces from another dog that has the virus. Because the coronavirus is highly contagious, animals that live in kennels or participate in dog shows are at a high risk for contracting it and should be vaccinated.
There is no specific treatment for coronavirus, but supportive care such as fluid therapy and antibiotics is sometimes needed, especially for young puppies that develop more serious symptoms. Among adult dogs that get an infection from the coronavirus, the diarrhea will usually resolve on its own, generally within a week or two. When compounded by other diseases, the diarrhea can take longer to resolve.
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Clinical Signs:
Clinical signs can vary tremendously, but commonly include vomiting, diarrhea that may contain mucus or blood, depression, anorexia, and occasionally fever. Puppies can die from severe dehydration and enteritis, which is inflammation of the small intestine. Typically, adult dogs have less severe or no symptoms.Symptoms:
See Clinical Signs.
Description:
Canine coronavirus is a highly contagious virus often transmitted in kennels and dog shows. The virus grows in the animal’s small intestine and may cause gastrointestinal problems. Adult dogs that develop symptoms of an infection usually get diarrhea and related symptoms that pass within a short time period without medical intervention. Puppies, however, can develop more severe clinical signs and can become severely dehydrated, requiring the administration of intravenous or subcutaneous fluids. Because of the inflammation of the small intestine caused by the virus, antibiotics are often given to treat bacteria and toxins that may escape from the intestines into the blood.
Canine coronavirus is passed on when a susceptible dog or puppy ingests feces from a dog that has the virus. It can be prevented by a vaccine.
Diagnosis:
Usually, a veterinarian will suspect the coronavirus when a dog living in group housing develops clinical signs of the disease. To make a positive diagnosis, there are procedures for detecting the virus in fresh feces or intestinal contents using electron microscopy. Also, serologic testing, which detects the presence of antibodies and antigens, is an option. However, the results of these tests can be expensive and generally take time to be analyzed by a laboratory. Thus, they not are performed often.Top of Page
Prognosis:
For dogs that are not severely affected, the prognosis is excellent, although diarrhea can persist for as long as a few weeks. Young puppies that are very ill may have a guarded or poor prognosis if they do not receive immediate veterinary care.Transmission or Cause:
Dogs get the coronavirus when they ingest the feces of another dog with the infection. Treatment:
The majority of dogs that are not severely affected recover without any treatment. Puppies or adults that do develop severe symptoms of infection often need supportive care such as fluids delivered directly into the vein or below the skin. Antibiotics are used to treat signs of sepsis—which is bacteria or bacterial toxins found in the blood. Prevention:
Infected dogs should be kept away from healthy dogs. Sanitation should be maintained by keeping the environment free of feces and cleaning the area with appropriate disinfectants. A vaccine is beneficial, especially for show dogs and kennel dogs that are at a high risk for contracting the virus. http://workingdogs.com/vccorona.htm
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Canine Lyme Disease
Clinical Name: Lyme disease
Overview
Without treatment, Lyme disease causes problems in many parts of the dog’s body, including the heart, kidneys, and joints. On rare occasions, it can lead to neurological disorders. Lyme disease most commonly is associated with symptoms such as a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, lameness, and a loss of appetite.
Dogs get Lyme disease from a tick that passes the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria into the animal’s bloodstream when it bites. The tick must remain attached to the animal’s skin for at least one day before the bacteria can be transmitted.
The ticks, called Ixodes or deer ticks, generally are found in specific regions of the United States: the northeastern states, the upper Mississippi region, California, and certain areas in the South. Like dogs, people can suffer from Lyme disease—they, too, catch it from ticks carrying the infection. Infected dogs do not transmit the disease to humans. For both canines and humans, the illness is treated by antibiotic medication.
Clinical Signs and Symptoms
Fever, lymphadenopathy, lameness, anorexia, myocarditis, inflammatory joint disease, glomerulonephritis, and in rare circumstances, neurologic disease.
Diagnosis
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The veterinarian may be able to determine if a dog has Lyme disease after performing a blood test that will show exposure to the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. In previously vaccinated dogs, a special type of blood test must be performed to differentiate between the vaccine and actual exposure to the organism. Unfortunately, these tests do not provide a simple yes or no answer. The veterinarian must evaluate the results along with the dog’s symptoms, and take into account whether the dog has been in an area of the United States where Lyme disease is endemic, such as the northeastern states, the upper Mississippi region, California, and certain southern states. A positive response to treatment is also important in making a final diagnosis.
Description
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is passed to dogs through a bite from the deer tick. The tick must remain attached to the dog’s skin for one to two days before the bacteria can be transmitted.
Lyme disease can be a multi-systemic illness, with signs that may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, lameness, loss of appetite, heart disease, inflamed joints, and kidney disease. Disorders of the nervous system, while uncommon, may occur as well.
A vaccine is available to prevent dogs from developing Lyme disease, although some controversy exists regarding its use. An owner should consult with a veterinarian for vaccine recommendations.
Transmission or Cause
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Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is passed to dogs and people by deer ticks carrying the infection; the ticks get the infection from the white-footed mouse, which acts as a carrier. The only way a tick can transmit the bacteria is to remain attached to the animal’s skin for one to two days. Unfortunately, these ticks are very small and easily can go unnoticed.
Treatment
Treatment involves the use of an appropriate antibiotic, such as doxycycline, for at least three to four weeks.
Prognosis
Dogs should begin to show signs of recovery two to three days after beginning treatment. However, the disease may recur within a few weeks or months; in these cases, the dog will need to return to antibiotic therapy for extended periods.
Prevention
There is a vaccine for the prevention of Lyme disease. Quick removal of a tick also will help prevent Lyme disease because the tick must remain attached to the dog’s body for one to two days before the disease can be transmitted. Consult with a veterinarian about the different tick prevention products that are available, as they can be an effective way to prevent the disease.
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