Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through ticks. Deer ticks commonly transmit Lyme disease but it can be transmitted by any tick. Symptoms of Lyme disease vary greatly. The “classic” symptoms are limping, pain, fever, and swollen joints. However, many cases do not have “classic” symptoms. Some dogs may show no signs at all and others can develop a life threatening kidney failure. Dogs with limping, pain, fever, innapetence, or increased thirst and urination should be tested for Lyme disease.
A vaccine for Lyme disease is available. The decision to use the Lyme vaccine is made on a case by case basis. Although some dogs should be vaccinated, we must consider exposure risk, preexisting conditions, and age. Not every dog needs this vaccine. Lyme infection is transmitted only by ticks; therefore we use this vaccine on pets which are likely to have tick exposure. Most commonly these are dogs which go into the high grass, wooded areas or beaches. However we have seen Lyme infections in city dogs, so each dog has to be considered separately. Prior illness will also be considered before making a decision. We may not choose to vaccinate if an illness is present which could be aggravated by the vaccine. If a decision has been made to vaccinate for Lyme disease, a series of 2 vaccines spaced 3-4 weeks apart is given. It is then boostered yearly.
No vaccine is 100% effective, including Lyme vaccines. It is important to make sure that you continue to use a monthly flea and tick preventative (such as Frontline or Advantix) to help minimize the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.