Protecting pets from ticks and Lyme disease seems not to be enough. IDEXX Laboratories has released internal research connecting exposure to the pathogens causing Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis to kidney problems later in life, even in animals that seemed asymptomatic at the time of the screening.
Dogs with antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme pathogen, were found to have a 43 percent higher risk of developing CKD. The results were statistically significant and clinically relevant, IDEXX’s white paper states, “indicating that regular monitoring of these seropositive patients is medically necessary.”
Source: DVM 360, April 2, 2018.
Although the design of this retrospective study does not allow for determination of a causal relationship,” the paper continues in its Conclusions section, “the study supports that dogs who test positive for Lyme disease or Ehrlichia are associated with a statistically significant increased risk of developing CKD in endemic areas.
Consequently, patients of any age that test positive for Lyme disease or Ehrlichia should be considered for comprehensive evaluation. At every annual visit, the patient should receive a physical examination, a complete blood count (CBC), a complete chemistry panel with the IDEXX SDMA Test, and a complete urinalysis to monitor for multisystemic disease.”
INSIGHTS: Scientists continue to point at ticks as vectors and fomites. Animal health professionals can’t ignore the life-altering potential of these invasive arachnids. Consider using this article to reinforce the need for vaccination against Lyme and to support efforts to prevent ticks on pets and their owners. The CDC routinely updates tick distribution maps which are helpful. Information from the Companion Animal Parasite Council is also available.