Lyme Disease Vaccination for Dogs

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that is transmitted to dogs and other mammals by the bite of the deer tick. Lyme disease typically causes joint inflammation and, rarely, heart and renal failure. There is a vaccine for dogs to prevent Lyme disease, but its use is controversial.

Function

The Lyme vaccine works by preventing the migration of the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochette from the tick, keeping it from entering the dog's bloodstream if a tick bites the dog.

Considerations

The Lyme disease vaccine can actually cause a fatal, untreatable form of Lyme disease to develop in healthy dogs.

Time Frame

Immunity against Lyme disease is temporary, requiring annual boosters to keep the dog protected against Lyme.

Prevention/Solution

Those in favor of vaccinating argue that vaccinating the dogs against Lyme disease prevents them from becoming carriers of Lyme that could be transmitted to humans.

Warning

Vets and others against using the Lyme vaccine point out that continued administration of the vaccine can cause kidney dysfunction in the dogs who receive it.

References

• Canine Lyme Disease
• Marista Vet: Lyme Disease Primer
• The Pet Center: What is Lyme Disease in Dogs