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Companion Animals and Their Unique Place in Society--Part 1
Every once in a while, a discussion of the role of animals in our lives makes the news as some difficult decision must be made. The interesting thing about this is that our relationship with animals, though different in different times and places...
Enzyme Cleaners - The Only Effective Cat Urine Odor Eliminator
The first time a feline owner encounters an out-of-the-cat-litter-box experience, she probably uses whatever cleaners she has on hand. Initially, it appears she's cleaned the cat urine odor and stain from the location. However, in a matter of hours...
Frequently Asked Dog Behavior Questions
Article:
1. Why do dogs eat their poop?
One reason dogs eat their poop is because it just plain tastes
good. Another reason is it could be a vitamin deficiency. One
other reason for the poop eating is that it is an...
How To Train An Abused Dog
Many people who've adopted older dogs-- especially stray dogs or dogs from the animal shelter-- assume that their dog has been abused in the past.
So, how do you train an abused dog?
Let's get right to the heart of the matter and state that-- in...
Leptospirosis In Dogs
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect a dog's blood, liver, and kidneys. The bacteria that cause the illness are carried primarily by rats and other rodents, but dogs that are infected with the disease can infect other dogs as well....
Life Lessons I Learned from my Cat
Even if you are not a cat person, bear with me, this story goes far beyond cat mania. Our little tabby cat was frightened and highly-sensitive from the day we rescued her from the SPCA, two and a half years ago. No doubt being jailed there for four...
Pet Drug Patches
The use of transdermal patches within human medicine is very popular for people who may want to quit smoking, relieve pain and even to replace hormones. Can these drug patches work for our pets? Transdermal drugs for animals are very similar to...
Pet Insurance - A Waste Of Time?
According to a survey published by Mintel, one in three pets
needs an unexpected visit to the vet each year. This means that
you are more likely to claim on your pet insurance than on a
home & contents policy or even your car insurance.
The...
The Shih Tzu: Common Health Issues
Although disease affects all different breeds of dog, certain
breeds are more prone to certain ailments than others, due to
their particular anatomical structure, genetic make-up, or other
factors. In this article, we will briefly describe some...
West Highland White Terriers – Westies- A Wonderful Breed Apart
“Westies” or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs, with dots for coal black eyes and button noses. Why are West Highland White Terrier puppies sought after by many dog lovers? Because these friendly creatures are well-behaved, loyal...
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Lyme Disease In Dogs Is A Serious Matter
Lyme disease is caused by an organism known as a spirochete,
which is a coiled rod-shaped bacterium and named Borrelia
burgdorferi. It is passed to dogs and people by deer ticks
carrying the infection; the ticks get the infection from the
white-footed mouse, which acts as a carrier. The only way a tick
can transmit the bacteria is to remain attached to the animal's
skin for one to two days. Unfortunately, these ticks are very
small and easily can go unnoticed. Lyme disease in dogs has been
found worldwide and in ancient Chinese medical literature they
actually describe a syndrome very similar to Lyme disease,
thousands of years before Lyme , Connecticut was named. In the
United States , more than 90% of the cases occur in the
Northeast, with California and Mississippi second. Lyme disease
in dogs is fairly common, but rarely seen in cats, although some
cats have been infected with it.
The main clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs include a sudden
yet recurring lameness that may shift from leg to leg. Sometimes
this lameness is associated with a fever and depression.
Occasionally you will see swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes the
joints may be swollen, feel warm, and it's very painful. The dog
infected will usually walk stiffly with a hunched back. Lyme
disease in dogs is really very painful and they commonly are
very sensitive to touch and may cry out with even the slightest
touch. Many dogs with Lyme disease that were diagnosed with
slipped discs in their
neck and crying in pain and it was
actually Lyme disease causes muscle spasms in the neck and they
only improved when they were administered the appropriate
antibiotic. Sometimes you will see the classic red round target
lesion around a tick bite on your pet and within a few days they
may show the signs of lameness, fever and sensitivity to touch.
If you suspect your pet has Lyme disease, take them to the vet
immediately for treatment.
Treatment
Treatment involves the use of an appropriate antibiotic, such as
doxycycline, for at least three to four weeks.
Prognosis
Dogs should begin to show signs of recovery two to three days
after beginning treatment. However, the disease may recur within
a few weeks or months; in these cases, the dog will need to
return to antibiotic therapy for extended periods.
Prevention
There is a vaccine for the prevention of Lyme disease. Quick
removal of a tick also will help prevent Lyme disease because
the tick must remain attached to the dog's body for one to two
days before the disease can be transmitted. Consult with a
veterinarian about the different tick prevention products that
are available, as they can be an effective way to prevent the
disease. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner your pet
will be without pain.
About the author:
LeeAnna is an expert author who writes for Lyme Disease in
Dogs
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