Canine Lyme Disease | Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme Disease in Dogs - Canine Lyme Disease

Lyme disease in dogs, or Lyme neuroborreliosis, resulting from infection of the CNS by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, has been reported occasionally in dogs. Most affected dogs have had concurrent polyarthritis, lymphadenopathy, and fever. Signs of neurologic system involvement have include aggression, other behavior changes, and seizures.

There may be an increase in anti-B. burgdorferi immunoglobulin compared with a paired serum titer, indicating intrathecal antibody production in dogs with Lyme disease. Lyme neuroborreliosis, a well-documented manifestation of Lyme disease in humans, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of disease involving the CNS in dogs from endemic regions. Early antibiotic treatment may be effective, but it is important to select an antibiotic that is thought to act against the spirochete and that is capable of reaching high concentrations.

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