Transmission of Lyme Disease
Ticks become infected with the bacteria by feeding on infected mice and
other small animals. When an infected tick bites other animals, it can
transmit the bacteria to these animals. Lyme disease is transmitted by
the deer tick (blacklegged tick) and a group of other closely related
ticks, the exact species varying by location. The deer tick is a small
tick and may bite animals and people without being easily detected.
Cats that spend a lot of time outdoors, in areas with bush or tall grass
are most at risk for being infected with Lyme disease. However, it is
important to remember that ticks can be carried into yards on other
animals, so even cats that don't roam far could potentially be bitten by
a tick (and if you have dogs, ticks can hitch a ride into the home on
the dogs). There is currently no evidence that Lyme disease is spread by
direct contact between animals, including between infected pets and
their owners.
Symptoms may Include
- lameness (may shift from leg to leg)
- stiffness, pain
- fever
- decreased appetite
- lethargy
Diagnosis
Because so many cats do not develop symptoms after infection with
B. burgdorferi,
the diagnosis of Lyme disease must be made on a combination of factors,
including history (especially exposure to ticks), clinical signs,
finding antibodies to
B. burgdorferi bacteria, and a quick
response to treatment with antibiotics. An antibody test is not enough
to make a diagnosis on its own, because not all cats that are exposed to
B. burgdorferi get sick, and the antibodies can persist in the blood for a long time after exposure.
Other diagnostic test such as blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, and
sampling of joint fluid, may be done as well to check for more serious
effects of Lyme disease such as kidney disease, and to rule out other
conditions that can cause similar signs and symptoms.
Treating Lyme Disease
Treatment with antibiotics usually produces a rapid improvement in
symptoms. If there are more serious issues that might be secondary to
Lyme disease, such as kidney disease, a longer course of antibiotics
along with additional medications is usually necessary.
Prevention of Lyme Disease
Tick control is extremely important for the prevention of Lyme disease
(and other diseases that can be transmitted by ticks). Check outdoor
cats daily for ticks and remove them
as soon as possible, since ticks must feed for at least 12 hours
(possibly 24-48 hours) before transmitting the bacteria causing Lyme
disease. Be careful handling ticks, as they are potentially infective to
people, too.
Products that kill ticks, such as Frontline Plus for Cats® (compare prices)
can be used; be sure to follow your veterinarian's advice when using
these products. Keep grass and brush trimmed in your yard, and in areas
where ticks are a serious problem, you can also consider treating the
yard for ticks.