Canine Lyme (CLym Ab) Rapid Test

What is Canine Lyme Disease?

Canine Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by bacteria from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. Different Borrelia species are prevalent in different regions globally: B. burgdorferi sensu stricto is common in North America, while B. afzelii and B. garinii are more prevalent in Europe and Asia. The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks, with the specific tick species varying by region: I. scapularis (black-legged or deer tick) in North America, I. ricinus (castor bean or sheep tick) in Europe, and I. persulcatus in parts of Asia. When an infected tick attaches to a dog and feeds for approximately 24-48 hours, it can transmit the bacteria into the dog's bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can spread throughout the body, potentially affecting multiple systems and causing a range of symptoms.

Climate change is expanding tick habitats globally, introducing Lyme disease to previously unaffected areas. Dogs who frequently spend time outdoors in these environments are at higher risk of exposure.

Symptoms of Canine Lyme Disease

Lyme disease in dogs can be difficult to detect as symptoms may not appear immediately after infection, sometimes taking 2-5 months to develop. Additionally, some infected dogs never show clinical signs. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

Common symptoms:

• Fever (39.5-40.5°C)
• Lameness or joint pain that may shift from leg to leg
• Swollen joints that are warm to the touch
• Decreased appetite and lethargy
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Reluctance to move or general discomfort

Severe cases may develop:

• Kidney damage (Lyme nephritis) - potentially fatal
• Cardiac issues
• Neurological problems
• Recurring lameness or arthritis

If your dog displays any of these symptoms, especially after potential tick exposure, prompt veterinary testing and care is essential. Early detection through rapid testing can lead to more effective treatment outcomes.

Prevention and Vaccination

Prevention is the most effective approach to managing Lyme disease in dogs. A comprehensive prevention strategy should include:

Tick Control:

• Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives appropriate for your region (topical treatments, collars, or oral medications)
• Check your dog for ticks daily, especially after outdoor activities in wooded or grassy areas
• Remove any found ticks promptly and properly with a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers
• Keep grass and bushes trimmed in your yard/garden to reduce tick habitats
• Be aware that certain regions have ticks with resistance to some preventatives, so consult with your local veterinarian for the most effective options

Environmental Management:

• Create tick-free zones in your outdoor spaces by clearing leaf litter, removing brush and woodpiles, and keeping grass short
• Consider safe environmental treatments for your yard/garden in high-risk areas
• Use wood chips or gravel to create barriers between lawns and wooded areas
• Be particularly cautious when walking dogs in forests, heathlands, and areas with tall grasses, especially during peak tick seasons for your region

Vaccination:

• Lyme disease vaccines are available for dogs in many countries and recommended for those in high-risk areas
• Initial vaccination requires two doses, 2-4 weeks apart
• Annual boosters are necessary to maintain immunity
• Discuss with your veterinarian whether vaccination is appropriate for your dog based on your location and your dog's lifestyle
• Note that vaccination availability, protocols, and recommendations vary by country and region

Regular Testing:

• Annual testing is recommended for dogs in endemic areas, even if vaccinated
• Rapid tests allow for convenient, early detection even before symptoms appear

Treatment Options

If your dog tests positive for Lyme disease, treatment typically includes:

Antibiotic Therapy:

• Doxycycline is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic
• Treatment typically lasts 28-30 days
• Improvement in symptoms is often seen within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotics
• Complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms resolve quickly

Supportive Care:

• Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce joint pain and inflammation
• Rest and limited activity during recovery
• Follow-up testing to ensure the infection has been addressed

Monitoring for Complications:

• Regular urinalysis to check for protein in urine (potential kidney involvement)
• Blood work to assess kidney function
• Additional testing may be needed depending on the severity and duration of infection

In cases of Lyme nephritis (kidney inflammation), more intensive treatment including hospitalization, IV fluids, and additional medications may be necessary. Early detection and treatment significantly improve prognosis and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

FAQs About Canine Lyme Disease

Q: Can humans catch Lyme disease from infected dogs?
A: No, dogs cannot directly transmit Lyme disease to humans. However, ticks that infect dogs can also bite and infect humans, so a dog with Lyme disease indicates tick presence in your environment.

Q: How long after a tick bite will my dog show symptoms?
A: Symptoms typically appear 2-5 months after infection, though some dogs never develop clinical signs despite being infected.

Q: If my dog tests positive but shows no symptoms, does it need treatment?
A: This is a topic of debate in veterinary medicine. Treatment approaches for asymptomatic dogs vary across different countries and regions. Some veterinarians recommend treating all positive dogs, while others may monitor asymptomatic dogs. Discuss the best approach with your veterinarian.

Q: Can Lyme disease be cured completely?
A: While antibiotics are effective at controlling the infection, some dogs may experience recurring symptoms or develop chronic issues. Early detection and treatment provide the best chance for complete resolution.

Q: How effective is the Lyme vaccine?
A: The canine Lyme vaccine is approximately 80% effective. Even vaccinated dogs should use tick preventatives and undergo regular testing in high-risk areas. Vaccine availability varies globally.

Q: Can my indoor dog get Lyme disease?
A: While the risk is lower, indoor dogs can still contract Lyme disease during brief outdoor excursions. Ticks can also be brought into the home on clothing or other pets.

Q: How accurate are rapid tests for Lyme disease?
A: Our rapid tests provide high sensitivity and specificity for detecting Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies . They detect exposure rather than active infection, and results should be interpreted by a veterinarian alongside clinical signs and possibly additional testing. For comprehensive screening, MeLCo-MED offers several combo rapid tests that can detect Lyme disease along with other common tick-borne diseases in a single test, allowing for more complete diagnostic information.

Q: Can a dog have Lyme and other tick-borne diseases simultaneously?
A: Yes, co-infections are common because the same tick species can transmit multiple pathogens. Dogs may be simultaneously infected with Borrelia (Lyme disease), Ehrlichia or Anaplasma. Additionally, dogs in endemic areas may have co-infections with Heartworm, which is transmitted by mosquitoes but often occurs alongside tick-borne diseases. These co-infections can complicate diagnosis and treatment, as symptoms may overlap or become more severe. Our MeLCo-MED combo tests can detect multiple infections:

• Canine Ehrlichia-Lyme-Anaplasma-Heartworm (CEHR Ab-CLym Ab-CANA Ab-CHW Ag) Combo Rapid Test: Tests for four common vector-borne diseases in one test. View product
• Canine Anaplasma-Lyme-Ehrlichia (CANA Ab-CLym Ab-CEHR Ab) Combo Rapid Test: Detects the three main tick-borne diseases affecting dogs. View product

Q: Can Lyme disease be fatal for dogs?
A: While not common, Lyme disease can be fatal if it progresses to Lyme nephritis (kidney failure) or if severe cardiac or neurological complications develop. Prompt detection and treatment significantly reduce this risk.

Q: Do different regions have different strains of the bacteria?
A: Yes, different Borrelia species predominate in different regions worldwide. This may result in some differences in disease presentation and testing considerations. Quality tests are designed to detect multiple relevant strains.

Q: When is tick season in my area?
A: Tick activity varies by region:

• Temperate regions: Primarily spring through autumn
• Warm climates: Year-round activity possible
• Cold regions: Concentrated in summer months Due to climate change, tick seasons are extending in many areas, making year-round prevention increasingly important worldwide.

Q: How can I remove a tick safely from my dog?
A: Use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure without twisting. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

References and Further Information

For more detailed information about canine Lyme, please consult these authoritative sources:

• European Scientific Counsel on Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP): Provides evidence-based guidelines for parasite control in companion animals. www.esccap.org
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA); Offers global guidelines for diagnosis and management of vector-borne diseases. www.wsava.org
• Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC): Provides prevalence maps and treatment guidelines for tick-borne diseases. www.capcvet.org

These organizations regularly update their guidelines based on the latest scientific research. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to consult these resources for the most current recommendations on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of canine Lyme.