Ticks and Dogs in the News: Tick-Borne Diseases

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Home > In the News > Tick-Borne Diseases

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Pet Age
August 1, 2006

Tick-Borne Diseases

New research shows that Lyme disease is not the only tick-borne disease that's on the rise

These days, people seldom mention ticks without also mentioning Lyme disease. However, new research shows that many of these eight-legged parasites carry multiple diseases that are transmissible to pets, according to IDEXX Laboratories (Westbrook, Maine).

Discovered in Lyme, Conn., in the late 1970s, Lyme disease has been found in dogs in all 50 U.S. states. But to some researchers, the rising incidence of other tick-related diseases in pets is more worrisome.

Dr. Matt Eberts, a canine tick researcher and practicing veterinarian in Brainerd, Minn., said that 40 percent of the dogs he examines test positive for Lyme disease, but 50 percent show signs of canine anaplasmosis, a disease transmitted by the same tick species that transmits Lyme disease.

"While Lyme disease continues to be a concern, the growing number of dogs entering my clinic with multiple tick-borne infections adds a new wrinkle to the situation," said Eberts. "There's really no way for pet owners to know what's wrong with their dogs without getting their dogs checked regularly."

Most tick-borne diseases are difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone, and few dogs exhibit outward signs of Lyme disease or lesser-known tick-borne diseases.

"We've seen a combination of disease growth and better testing capabilities," Eberts said. "As technological advancements continue, I'm sure we'll see even more examples of ticks carrying Lyme disease as well as other tick-borne diseases."

"With the potential range of symptoms brought on by Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections, I encourage pet owners to make testing a standard part of their dogs' veterinary exams," said Dr. Stephen Levy, a veterinarian in Durham, Conn., who has researched tick-borne diseases for the past two decades. He stressed the importance of screening to detect the infections as early as possible. "Most tick-borne illnesses can be treated, but dogs infected with multiple diseases may take longer to recuperate."

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