Borreliosis: all you need to know about Lyme disease in dogs & horses

Have you ever heard of borreliosis? These infections, the best known of which is Lyme disease, can affect dogs and horses as well as humans. They are caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted by infected ticks. Borreliosis can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms can vary considerably. Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of borreliosis in dogs and horses, Lore & Science tells you all about it in this article.

Borreliosis: a variety of symptoms

In horses and dogs, symptoms of borreliosis may appear within a few weeks of exposure to the bacteria, but can also take several months to appear. They can also be intermittent, appearing and disappearing without warning. This, of course, complicates diagnosis. In fact, borreliosis is one of the so-called cold infections, as it does not necessarily trigger a fever. Nevertheless, here are a few symptoms that should alert you.

Symptoms of borreliosis in dogs 🐶

Dogs, bitches or puppies with Lyme disease or borreliosis-like infections may be lethargic and have low energy levels. They may have difficulty walking, jumping or climbing stairs. Other signs to watch out for include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Neurological symptoms

Symptoms of borreliosis in horses 🐴

As with dogs, symptoms of borreliosis in horses, mares and foals can take several weeks to appear after exposure to the bacteria. Among them, lameness is common and can affect one or more limbs. Horses suffering from Lyme disease can also be highly sensitive to pressure, and more reactive to tactile stimuli. We have compiled a list of potential signals of borreliosis in equids:

• Fever
• Lameness
• Swollen joints
• Neurological symptoms
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Respiratory symptoms

In all cases, if your horse or dog displays one or more of these symptoms, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian, who will be able to make an appropriate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of borreliosis

Diagnosing borreliosis in dogs and horses is often a challenge for veterinarians, as the clinical signs presented by infected animals can be non-specific and resemble those of other diseases. As a result, it's important to call on a qualified, experienced professional to diagnose this complex disease.

A blood test is commonly used to detect the presence of antibodies against the bacteria responsible for borreliosis. However, it can sometimes give falsely negative results if the dog or horse has recently been exposed to the bacteria. What's more, antibody levels can vary according to the stage of the disease, making diagnosis all the more difficult.

In some cases, the veterinarian may use imaging techniques, such as X-rays and ultrasound, to assess the extent of inflammation in the joints or muscles. These tests can also detect other abnormalities, such as fractures and tumors. However, as they are not specific to borreliosis, they can only be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Finally, it's important to note that early diagnosis of borreliosis is crucial to successful treatment. Therefore, if you notice any signs of the disease in your pet, don't hesitate to consult a veterinarian immediately to avoid any complications.

Treatment of borreliosis in dogs and horses

Treating borreliosis in dogs and horses is a complex process, and usually involves a combination of treatments. In general, veterinarians prescribe antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection. Doxycycline and amoxicillin are the antibiotics most commonly used to treat borreliosis, as they are effective in killing the bacteria responsible for the infection.

However, treatment of borreliosis can be a protracted process, as the infection can be deeply rooted in the animal's body. Consequently, treatment may last several weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the infection. Veterinarians often recommend regular check-ups to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and ensure that the infection has been completely eliminated.

Antibiotics

Medicinal plants

Prevention of borreliosis in dogs and horses

The best way to combat borreliosis is, of course, prevention. Since these diseases are transmitted by ticks, the best way to prevent them in animals is to reduce their exposure to these mites. There are several preventive measures you can take to help protect your dog or horse.

First of all, avoid as far as possible wooded or grassy areas where ticks are likely to be found. Not letting your dog or horse roam in these areas can greatly reduce its exposure to ticks. If you can't stay away from these areas, then it's a good idea to use tick repellents on your pet. These can take the form of collars or sprays to be applied to your horse or dog before outings.

Also, regularly inspect your dog or horse for ticks. If you find a tick on your pet, remove it quickly. It's advisable not to touch the tick with your bare hands, as this can increase the risk of transmitting the bacteria. Instead, use tick forceps or disposable gloves to remove the tick properly. If you can, store the tick in an airtight container.

Finally, it's important to keep a close eye on your dog or horse after it's been bitten by a tick. If you notice any symptoms of borreliosis, such as fever, muscle stiffness or joint pain, consult your veterinarian immediately. The sooner the disease is detected and treated, the greater the chances of your pet's recovery.

In short, by taking these preventive measures, you can help to significantly reduce the risk of borreliosis in your dog or horse. It's important to remember that prevention is the key to protecting your pet's health and ensuring its long-term well-being.

Questions about borreliosis-type infections in your pet? We'll answer them in comments ↓