The Bottom Line On Lyme Vaccine
After slogging through some pretty dense veterinary sites and medical journals, our family has decided our pups will never again receive the Lyme vaccine. The vaccines controversy among experts persuades us to skip this vaccine. In addition, our deeply negative, scary experience with the Lyme vaccine makes that decision easy. We provide this information here so you can come prepared to talk with your vet. In addition, download The Checklists: Tick Prevention and Lyme Vaccine Precautions. These one-page reference sheets will help you avoid the ticks that spread Lyme. Theyll prepare you if you do decide to vaccinate your pup against the disease.
How Often Is Lyme Disease Vaccine Needed
Initially, the vaccine is given as a series of two boosters . Depending on the vaccineâs manufacturer, this series of vaccines can be started around eight to nine weeks of age.
Some veterinarians recommend boostering this series six months later, followed by another booster in six months, then once yearly after that. Other veterinarians recommend vaccinating yearly after the initial two booster series. When and how often to booster will likely be based on the concern for Lyme disease in your area and your petâs risk for tick bites.
Lyme Vaccine For Small Dogs: What To Know Before
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We get it. Everyones pretty tired of talking about vaccines, at least when it comes to COVID. But bear with us, because this discussion is important too. Its the story of our small dog Scout and the extreme pain and temporary lameness she suffered after her Lyme vaccination for dogs.
And were not alone in nursing our Havanese through an adverse vaccine reaction. So many other small dogs have suffered similar reactions from the Lyme vaccine. And last year, we learned, too late, that small dogs are more likely to have adverse vaccine reactions. Were pretty upset with ourselves for having gone ahead with Lyme vaccinations, when for years we resisted doing so even though we live in an area where disease-carrying ticks are common.
The Lyme vaccine for dogs is actually pretty controversial, with few veterinarians recommending it wholeheartedly.
Dont make the mistake we did. We assumed this long-time vaccine was now widely accepted and that giving it was the right thing to do.
Were not saying dont vaccinate for Lyme. We are saying know the many downsides, give the vaccine only if you absolutely must, and be prepared to support your dog if she experiences an adverse reaction.
Before we delve into the side effects of Lyme vaccine for small dogs, lets talk briefly about the disease itself.
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What Are The Clinical Signs
Many people with Lyme disease develop a characteristic bulls-eye rash at the site of the bite within three to thirty days. If this occurs, the disease can be easily diagnosed at an early stage.
Symptoms of Lyme disease are more difficult to detect in animals than in people. The characteristic rash does not develop in dogs or cats. Because the other symptoms of the disease may be delayed or go unrecognized and because the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases, Lyme disease in animals is often not considered until other diseases have been eliminated.
Affected dogs have been described as if they were walking on eggshells.
Many dogs affected with Lyme disease are taken to a veterinarian because they seem to be experiencing generalized pain and have stopped eating. Affected dogs have been described as if they were walking on eggshells. Often these pets have high fevers. Dogs may also begin limping. This painful lameness often appears suddenly and may shift from one leg to another. If untreated, it may eventually disappear, only to recur weeks or months later.
Some pets are infected with the Lyme disease organism for over a year before they finally show symptoms. By this time, the disease may be widespread throughout the body.
Which Antibodies Does The Vaccine From Merial Induce
It is a recombinant vaccine based on Osp A. Vaccinated animals should develop high antibody levels to OspA and maintain negative antibody levels to the remaining two antigens. Infected/non-infected animals can be identified based on OspC and OspF antibody values. Detection of the early Lyme infection stage is possible after using this vaccine.
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What Is Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, primarily, and sometimes Borrelia mayonii. The Merck Veterinary Manual says that in the United States, these spiral-shaped bacteria are most often transmitted to dogs through the saliva of deer ticks , also called black-legged ticks, in the Northeast and upper Midwest. The western black-legged tick is the primary type of tick that transmits Lyme on the West Coast.
Merck explains that dogs infected with Lyme disease may not show any signs of illness but can experience symptoms like:
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A veterinarian who knows your pet’s history and lifestyle is in the best position to advise you on whether or not your dog is a good candidate for the Lyme vaccine. “While it’s rarely a bad idea to get this vaccine if living in an area where the disease is prevalent,” Bailey explains, “dogs who have a history of vaccine reactions or autoimmune diseases who don’t live in a high-risk region of the U.S. may not need the shot.” However, the American Animal Hospital Association adds that the vaccine may be indicated in dogs traveling from low-risk to high-risk regions of the country.
What Is The Best Way To Prevent Lyme Disease In Dogs
You can help protect your pet from becoming infected with Lyme disease by: using a tick preventive. avoiding wooded or grassy areas and stick to trails. performing daily tick checks and removing any ticks that you may find discussing the Lyme vaccine with your veterinarian for dogs living in high-risk areas.
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Most Dogs Dont Get Lyme Disease Symptoms Even When They Have Lyme Disease
In 2006, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania infected beagles with Lyme disease. None of the adult dogs showed any signs of Lyme disease even though they had Lyme disease.
The only dogs in the group that showed any signs of Lyme disease were the puppies and after four days of on and off symptoms, every puppy showed no signs of Lyme disease.
This is likely because puppies have immature immune systems. So while Lyme is common, the disease isnt.
But what about dogs who already test positive for Lyme?
Meryl Littman was the lead researcher and explains 95% of exposed dogs dont get sick, but they become Lyme antibody-positive on tests, which may scare people into thinking they need to be treated.
In fact, 70% 90% of dogs in some areas of New England test positive for Lyme. About 40% of dogs in Pennsylvania test positive.
Dog Lyme Disease Costs
Many people are well aware that among the several unpleasant aspects of ticks is the ability to transfer Lyme disease in dogs and humans. An issue that all pet owners have to worry about is Lyme disease in dogs, particularly during the summer. Did you know that your pet can get Lyme disease, too?
When the weather is nice and warm, your dog is more likely to spend more time outside and the risk of being bitten by ticks and contracting Lyme disease increases. These nasty little parasites often look for warm bodies to attach to and feed on.
A severe infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi is the cause of dog Lyme disease.
The bacteria are usually transmitted to dogs and other animals through bites of infected black-legged ticks, like deer ticks. The nymph as well as adult stages of the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis transmits Lyme in dogs. Once these bacteria are in the bloodstream, they can easily travel to different body parts and cause problems in specific organs and locations, like joints.
And that is not all as more serious complications can include damage to the kidneys, and in some cases, nervous system or heart disease. It is worth mentioning that Lyme disease can also affect humans, but it cant be transferred directly to a human from a dog.
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How Can Lyme Disease Be Prevented
Tick control and prevention methods significantly reduce the likelihood of infection. Maintaining antibodies against B. burgdorferi through vaccination can further protect your animal. Antibody amounts and duration of vaccine antibodies can vary in individuals. Verifying your animals antibody response to vaccination helps to assure durable protection.
Is The Lyme Vaccine For Dogs Safe
The canine Lyme vaccination does not protect against anything but Lyme. Stone does say that if requested he will administer the vaccine and feels that safety is not an issue. The incidence of side effects are less than 2%, and when present they are basic injection site reactions. In a nutshell, Stone believes that protecting your pets from ticks in heavily infected areas is much more important than a vaccine.
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What Are The Clinical Signs Of Lyme Disease
Some people with Lyme disease develop a characteristic bull’s-eye rash at the site of the bite within three to thirty days. If this occurs, the disease can be easily diagnosed at an early stage.
However, signs of Lyme disease are more difficult to detect in animals than in people. The characteristic rash does not develop in dogs or cats. In fact, Lyme disease is practically unheard of in cats.
“Affected dogs have been described as if they were walking on eggshells.”
Many dogs affected with Lyme disease are taken to a veterinarian because they seem to be experiencing generalized pain and have stopped eating. Affected dogs have been described as if they were walking on eggshells. Often these pets have high fevers. Dogs may also begin limping. This painful lameness often appears suddenly and may shift from one leg to another. If untreated, it may eventually disappear, only to recur weeks or months later.
Some pets are infected with the Lyme disease organism for over a year before they finally show symptoms. By this time, the disease may be widespread throughout the body. Non-specific signs which may indicate that Lyme disease is affecting the kidneys include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia , and weight loss. The kidney form of the disease is less common, but often fatal.
The Amount Of Time Your Dog Spends Outdoors
Dogs that spend more time outside or are regularly exposed to wooded areas are at higher risk of exposure. Dr. Brevitz says that dogs with higher potential for exposure will benefit from the Lyme vaccination for dogs.
That doesnt mean that city or suburban pets shouldnt get the vaccine, but they probably have a lower riskas long as theyre on prescription flea and tick prevention, she adds.
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Otc Vs Prescription Flea And Tick Medicine
So, what constitutes good tick control? A product recommended by your vet, says Dr. Mengel, who also practices at the University of Pennsylvanias M. J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital.
Many flea and tick preventatives require a prescription, so vets can make sure your dog is getting the right medication and dosage, she adds.
While some over-the-counter dog flea and tick treatment products work well, tell your pets providers what you use so they can ensure it is an appropriate choice.
No matter what type of preventative flea and tick medicine for dogs you choose, whats very important is that it is used year-round when Lyme disease is a concern.
Deer ticks can remain active through the winter months, so it very important to keep your pet protected all year.
Also, dont be surprised if you still see a tick on your furry friend even with protection. Some products cant repel every single tick but still do kill the bugs before they have a chance to infect your dog.
If, however, you are finding significant numbers of live, attached ticks on your dog, talk to your veterinarian about more aggressive tick control methods.
Hw Des The Lyme Vine Wrk Fr Dgs
There re severl different Lyme vines, eh mde by different mnufturers. lthugh these vines re ll slightly different, eh rries smll munts f the uter surfe rteins fund n Lyme bteri.
Sme vines ntin whle killed bteri , while ther vines ntin nly lbrtry-rdued uter surfe rteins.
Regrdless f the delivery frmt, it is these uter surfe rteins tht re rimrily resnsible fr the bdys immune resnse.
When dg reeives Lyme vine, the immune system devels ntibdies ginst the uter surfe rteins ntined in the vines.
This reres the dgs immune system t ret t these rteins if they re enuntered in the future. This retin kills the bteri nd revents infetin.
n interesting feture f Lyme disese vines is tht in mny ses, the vine wrks in the tik nd nt the dg. Brreli burgdrferi lives in the gut f n infeted tik nd is intrdued t dg thrugh tik bite.
Hwever, when tik bites dg, it ls ingests the dgs bld. This bld ntins ntibdies ginst B. burgdrferi, whih immeditely begin t ttk the bteri in the tiks gut insted f witing fr the bteri t be delivered t the dg.
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Treatment For Lyme Disease In Dogs
In most cases, the treatment protocol for dogs that have Lyme disease is quite straightforward and simple to administer . Dog Lyme disease treatment protocol usually consists of a thirty-day course of oral antibiotics.
The two most widely used antibiotics are Amoxicillin and Doxycycline. The good thing is that both these medications are quite inexpensive and have few side effects. While the recommended treatment duration is often at least four weeks, note that longer courses might be necessary in some cases. Your vet can also prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug in case your dog is very uncomfortable. Sometimes, treatment may also involve other therapies directed at relieving or resolving specific symptoms.
In some cases, even after treatment, Lyme bacteria remain in a dogs system in a latent stage. It indicates that the organism is present in your dogs body, but it isnt causing any active infection. Lyme disease vaccine for dogs is available to prevent disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Depending on your dogs size and age and some other variables, your vet may recommend testing your dog for canine Lyme disease before starting the vaccine series.
For Animals That Have Not Been Vaccinated Can Osp A Values Be Positive How Should This Be Interpreted
Antibodies to OspA have previously been interpreted as markers for vaccination. Non-vaccinated animals usually have low values for antibodies to OspA, while vaccinated animals develop these antibodies. OspA antibodies have been shown to protect from infection with B. burgdorferi.
However, there is accumulating evidence that antibodies to OspA can occur without vaccination. First, residual OspA is present on the bacterial surface at the time of transmission to an animal. This causes a low and transient OspA antibody response early after infection. Second, antibodies to OspA have also been associated with treatment-resistant Lyme arthritis and with development of autoimmunity in human patients. Similarly, OspA antibodies in non-vaccinated dogs or horses can be considered as markers of chronicity and disease severity.
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Lyme Vaccine For Dogs
- USDA approved?Yes
Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is found on multiple continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Within the U.S., Lyme disease was first observed in the Northeast and remains most common in that area however, it is now found across much of the country.
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection diagnosed in dogs in the United States. In 2019, 5 percent of canine blood samples sent to a reference laboratory for Lyme disease testing were positive for infection .
Clinical signs of Lyme disease vary significantly. In many dogs, Lyme disease is completely asymptomatic. These dogs show no signs of illness. Approximately 10 percent of infected dogs, however, develop clinical signs of Lyme disease several months after being bit by an infected tick . Common clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs include fever, lethargy, and limping. Dogs with mild signs can typically be treated successfully with antibiotics. A small percentage of infected dogs go on to develop a serious kidney disease, known as Lyme nephritis, which can be fatal despite treatment.
Prevention Of Lyme Disease In Dogs
If ssible, kee yur dg wy frm tik-infested envirnments where Lyme disese is usully mmn.
hek yur dgs t nd skin dily t mke sure tiks re hiding n yur et, nd remve tiks by hnd.
The mst effetive wy t revent Lyme disese nd rtet ets frm ther tik-brne diseses is fle nd tik reventin.
Yur veterinrin n resribe vriety f resritin fle nd tik tins, whih my inlude llrs, til slutins, nd tblets, nd hewble ndies tht kill nd reel tiks. These rduts shuld be used under the suervisin f veterinrin nd rding t lbel diretins.
If yu re living in n re where tiks re mre bundnt, Lyme vines re vilble. Hwever, nt ll dgs re gd ndidtes fr the vine. Tlk t yur veterinrin t determine if the Lyme vine is rrite fr yur dg.
Wht re the first signs f Lyme disese in dgs?
with dgs, the mst mmn signs inlude fever, lss f etite, jint in nd swelling, in nd ut lmeness, swllen lymh ndes, nd lethrgy. If left untreted, Lyme disese n use dmge t the kidneys, nervus system, nd hert.
Hw lng des it tke fr symtms f Lyme disese t er in dg?
Tik bites re the min use f Lyme disese, but the nset f symtms is muh slwer thn the initil bite. Yur dg my nt shw symtms f Lyme disese until tw t five mnths fter being infeted.
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