Lyme disease is a serious health threat to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Since it was discovered in 1975, there have been over 80,000 human cases reported. Experts believe that exposure in dogs may be 6 to 10 times greater than in humans. Lyme disease is now the most common tick-borne disease in the United States.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, has predicted that the incidence of Lyme disease will be greatly increased this year. The cause for this is a change in weather conditions resulting in a larger tick population.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria which are carried by ticks. When an infected tick bites an animal or person, the bacteria enter the blood, then spread to vital body organs. Severe clinical signs develop, including fever, pain, lethargy, loss of appetite, and lameness. Damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys can occur. Since the symptoms of Lyme disease are so variable, diagnosis is sometimes difficult and testing may be inconclusive. Treatment with specific antibiotics can be effective, especially when begun early in the course of the disease. There is, however, a significant risk of chronic problems.

Prevention of Lyme disease is the safest route. Insecticides which kill and repel ticks are very helpful. ProTICall is an excellent topical product for monthly use on dogs and puppies. Another method of tick control is the Preventic Tick Collar. Yet even the best insecticides may not give 100% protection against tick bites. Vaccination of all dogs at risk for tick exposure is the best way to prevent Lyme disease. An initial vaccine with a booster in 2 to 3 weeks is followed by a single annual vaccination. There is currently no vaccination available for cats or horses, but a human vaccine has recently been approved.