Information for Veterinarians

Key Points Regarding Lyme Disease in Dogs and Cats

• In dogs exposed to Lyme disease, 95% do not have symptoms.
• Dogs with symptoms may have: fever, lack of appetite, lameness, and joint swelling.
• A vaccine for Lyme disease in dogs is available. It does not protect against other tickborne diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, or babesia. Therefore, preventive measures against tick bites are still necessary.
• Clinical signs of Lyme disease in cats have not been described, though cats are affected by tickborne diseases such as ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, or forms of babesia.
• Never use tick repellents that are intended for dogs on a cat! Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate product for your pet.

References

• Berrada, ZL, Telford, SR 3rd. Burden of Tick-borne Infections on American Companion Animals. Top Companion Anim Med. 2009 Nov;24(4):175-81.
• Meryl P. Littman, Richard E. Goldstein, Mary A. Labato, Michael R. Lappin, and George E. Moore. ACVIM Small Animal Consensus Statement on Lyme Disease in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention[PDF - 13 pages]. J Vet Intern Med 2006;20:422-434.
• Littman, MP. Canine Borreliosis. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2003 Jul;33(4):827-62.