Some highlights from our Spring 2011 Newsletter . . . 

Lyme disease

A screening test for Lyme exposure is typically recommended at the time of your dog’s annual exam. This test (4Dx) also screens for heartworm disease and two other tick borne diseases. A positive test indicates that the dog has been exposed to Lyme disease through a tick bite and may have an active infection or antibodies from a past infection.

If your dog tests positive it is important to determine if he or she is having any clinical signs of Lyme disease. Clinical signs can vary during the course of the disease, and may include fever, lethargy, anorexia, depression, generalized joint pain or intermittent lameness. We can then discuss treatment or monitoring options.  In some cases additional blood or urine tests may be recommended.

The treatment for dogs with active Lyme disease is a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to manage any pain or fever.  Most dogs that are treated in the early stages of the disease recover uneventfully.  Serious complications, such as heart disease or kidney failure, can occur in some dogs that are infected with Lyme.

There is a vaccination available for dogs that is very effective at preventing clinical signs of Lyme disease from developing. To start the vaccine a series of two injections are needed and then it is boostered yearly.

Tick prevention is also very important in protecting your dog from Lyme disease. Deer ticks tend to be most prevalent in the spring and fall so be sure to avoid heavily wooded areas and use safe and effective tick preventatives.

Currently we do not recognize Borrelia as causing Lyme disease in cats. Horses can be affected by Lyme, though diagnosis and treatment is far more complicated than in dogs.

Itchy pet? We can help!

Recently our staff was able to spend an afternoon with Dr. Michele Rosenbaum, a board certified veterinary Dermatologist. Through lecture, slide presentation, and hands on demonstrations we learned her method for finding the underlying causes for skin problems. 

She stressed the importance of  collecting samples from the skin and coat to check for parasites such as fleas, mites, and lice and also bacterial or fungal infections. Because some parasites are not easily diagnosed, it is also important to treat the pet with a product that will kill mites and fleas.  Dr. Rosenbaum recommended topical treatment with Revolution every two weeks for a total of 4 treatments to help rule-out parasites.  If the pet also has a fungal or bacterial infection this must be treated. We have both injectible and oral antibiotics and a variety of shampoos, rinses, and leave on products to help treat skin infections.

After parasites have been ruled out and any infections treated, the pet is re-examined to monitor his or her progress. If the skin condition persists then a food trial may be indicated to rule out food allergies. This typically involves a novel or hydrolyzed protein diet to avoid common food allergens. The diet must be strictly followed and may take 10-12 weeks to see improvement.

If significant itching persists after these steps, it is likely your pet is suffering from atopic dermatitis (Atopy), which is sensitivity to inhaled allergens.  Atopy is a chronic disease which requires careful long-term management to keep the pet comfortable. Medication is typically used to control the pet’s flare-ups and allergy testing / desensitization may be considered as part of treatment.

Skin issues can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and may require long term management.  Our staff is now better prepared to diagnose and treat itchy pets this spring.