Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection that affects humans and dogs. It is transmitted by the deer tick. The disease is present in many areas of the United States including Minnesota and Wisconsin. In Canada, the highest incidence of Lyme Disease is in southern Ontario (Long Point on Lake Erie). However, cases have been reported in both humans and dogs from throughout Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Quebec.

In Canada, the highest incidence per capita is in north west Ontario on the Manitoba border. Currently this is not a common disease but the areas affected and the incidence are steadily increasing.

Infection with Lyme Disease in dogs most commonly causes acute arthritis (inflammation and pain in the joints) which can be treated with appropriate antibiotics. In a significant number of infected dogs chronic problems occur even despite early therapy. These include chronic arthritis, kidney and heart disease, and brain abnormalities. These chronic manifestations are only partially responsive to therapy.

Protection from Lyme Disease involves:

1. Tick removal each day by thorough brushing and by carefully inspecting your dog's ears, elbows, tail area, and feet especially between the toes. The tick that carries Lyme Disease is very small - about the size of the head of a pin - and can be easily missed. It is soft shelled and pale in colour.

2. Tick control by applying a flea and tick repellent spray weekly, or by using a flea and tick mousse as necessary. Products such as 'Adams Flea & Tick Repellent Spray' or 'Ovitrol Mousse' are easy to apply, very safe and effective. If there is a high infestation of ticks, then using 'Proban' tablets is sensible addition to the spray or the mousse. 'Proban' kills the ticks when they bite the dog. These products are available at WinRose and our staff can explain how best to use the one you choose.

3. Vaccination against Lyme Disease is available. The vaccine is safe and moderately effective. At this time, the strain of Lyme Disease present in the Whiteshell area has not been identified (the organism has been isolated but the particular strain has not yet been characterized). The vaccine available may or may not protect against the strain present in the Whiteshell -- this information is not currently available. However, vaccination, along with tick removal and control, is the most we can do to prevent our dogs from contracting this disease.

Vaccination is by injection. In the first year, two vaccinations, two to three weeks apart are required to establish protection. In each subsequent year, the single booster vaccination can be given with your dog's annual physical examination and routine vaccinations.