02284-A: Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevalence, Clinical Illness, and Prognosis

Grant Status: Closed

Grant Amount: $14,148
Thomas Wittum, MS, PhD; Andréia Arruda, DVM, MSc, PhD; Jason Stull, VMD, MPVM, PhD; The Ohio State University and University of Prince Edward Island
July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2019

Sponsor(s): American Boxer Charitable Foundation, Golden Retriever Foundation, Irish Wolfhound Club of America, Inc., Labrador Retriever Club, Inc., Rhodesian Ridgeback Charitable Foundation, Treeing Walker Breeders & Fanciers Association, United States Australian Shepherd Foundation

Breed(s): -All Dogs
Research Program Area: Tick-Borne Disease Initiative
Donate to Support this Research Program Area

Abstract

Lyme disease (or Borreliosis) is a bacterial disease of dogs and humans that is transmitted by tick bites. In people, Lyme is the most common tick-transmitted disease in the U.S., with over 25,000 cases in 2014. While most common in the northeastern coastal states and the upper Midwest, Lyme disease is moving into other regions of the U.S. and Canada. Dogs infected with Lyme disease rarely show signs of illness (typically lameness), but can be severe (e.g., kidney disease). Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Lyme disease in dogs are complicated by limited research and conflicting professional guidance. Current practices may unnecessarily place dogs at risk for illness and negative outcomes. The investigators will follow a large group of dogs from different regions of the U.S. and Canada. During this period the investigators will determine how often healthy dogs test positive for Lyme disease (meaning they have been bitten by an infected tick) and identify how often they later develop a Lyme-related illness. The risks and benefits of management strategies for Lyme-positive dogs and obstacles to effective tick prevention will be determined to help clarify unmet pet owner education needs. These findings are likely to extend to better understanding of canine and human Lyme disease, and improve health outcomes. Collectively, this work will allow us to identify, define and improve upon best practices for prevention and control of Lyme disease in areas with different Lyme risks, ultimately improving the health of dogs and people.

Publication(s)

None at this time.

Help Future Generations of Dogs

Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.

Learn How to Help

Get Canine Health News:
Please leave this field empty
American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Inc

8051 Arco Corporate Dr.
Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27617
(888)-682-9696

Tax ID# 13-3813813

  

© 2021 AKC Canine Health Foundation | Privacy Policy | Site Map

Site by Blackbaud, Inc.