It is important to note that dogs infected with Borrelia pose no risk to owners, and there is no evidence to suggest that dog owners are more at risk of Lyme’s than people without dogs. However, as dogs and their owners will be accessing the same areas, if a dog becomes infected it would suggest the owner is at higher risk due to possible exposure to infected ticks.
Most infections in dogs are sub-clinical (no symptoms) with 5-10% going on to develop clinical signs. When Lyme’s disease does develop this is often due to re-exposure to infection with an incubation period of 2-5 months (the time lapse from infection/exposure before clinical symptoms develop). Dogs with symptoms of Lyme’s disease often present with lameness and swollen joints, other signs can include fever, anorexia, lethargy and lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes/glands). Lyme disease is rarely recognised in cats. If you are worried your pet has been bitten by a tick and possibly showing any of the symptoms listed above please phone the surgery for advice.
If you would like information/advice regarding Lyme’s disease in humans please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ or phone your GP.
If a dog becomes infected, the severity of the disease will vary depending upon the individual’s immune status/response. Dogs can present with a variety of symptoms including: lethargy, pale gums, jaundice, swollen lymph nodes, anorexia, fever and weight loss. If you are worried your dog has visited one of the areas mentioned above, been bitten by a tick and or showing any of the signs listed please phone the surgery for advice.
Removal of feedings
Ticks should be removed with a specialised tick removing tool – a tick hook - where possible, or if not very fine pointed tweezers. If a tick hook is used then a simple twist and pull action should be used. If tweezers are used, the tick should be grasped as close to the skin as possible then removed with a smooth upward pulling action. If you are unsure how to remove a tick, or are concerned that it has been done incorrectly please phone the surgery for advice.
Hypertension in Cats
So why worry about feline hypertension?
The concern with feline hypertension is that high blood pressure can result in damage to organs, referred to as ‘target organ damage’ (TOD). The main organs that are affected are the eyes, heart, kidneys and brain. Cats with hypertension can present suddenly with blindness, develop a heart murmur or rhythm abnormality, kidney damage, or neurological signs including signs of dementia, seizures or an unsteady gait. However a hypertensive cat may have vague symptoms (depression, lethargy) or no signs at all.
Will my cat need any other tests?
Because feline hypertension is seen in up to 60% of cats with chronic kidney disease and 10-20% of hyperthyroid cats we recommend your cat have a blood test and urine sample checked. If an underlying condition is found then you will be advised on what other treatment is recommended. The vet may also perform an eye exam when hypertension is detected as this may show eye damage in an otherwise apparently normal cat.
What can be done if my cat has hypertension?
If your cat has high blood pressure and obvious symptoms of TOD on presentation then they may be started on blood pressure tablets straight away. If high BP is detected in a cat with obvious, or non-specific, symptoms repeat BP checks will be needed, to confirm that the BP is consistently high and not just due to the stress of the vet visit, before antihypertensive medication is prescribed. If your cat goes onto BP medication then they will need to have routine check-ups for monitoring, to determine if dose adjustments are needed. Treatment for feline hypertension involves daily medication with tablets, ointment and/or syrup, which are very effective at lowering the blood pressure. Ideally treatment for hypertension is used to prevent organ damage i.e. before clinical signs are evident, treatment in the face of clinical signs will help prevent ongoing damage, and so alleviate associated symptoms, although sadly for many cats that present blind the blindness itself is irreversible.