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Canine Lyme disease in Belgium
P McKenna1, J Clement, D Van Dijck
1Belgian Zoonosis Workgroup, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Brussels.
The Veterinary Record
|March 11, 1995
Summary
This study documents the first cases of Lyme borreliosis in dogs in Belgium, presenting with lameness and neurological issues. It highlights a rare complication of cranial nerve paralysis previously unrecorded in veterinary literature.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Canine Health
Background:
- Lyme borreliosis, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, affects multiple systems in mammals.
- The disease is transmitted by ticks and has been observed in various domestic animals.
- Canine Lyme borreliosis diagnosis and clinical manifestations require further documentation.
Observation:
- Two dogs in Belgium presented with recurrent lameness and general prostration.
- One dog experienced recurrent paralysis of cranial nerves V, VII, IX, and X.
- This paralysis resulted in dysphagia and bilateral mandibular muscle paralysis.
Findings:
- This paper reports the first documented cases of Lyme borreliosis in dogs in Belgium.
- The clinical presentation included severe neurological deficits, specifically cranial nerve paralysis.
- The observed neurological complications are rare in canine Lyme borreliosis cases.
Implications:
- This study expands the understanding of Lyme borreliosis manifestations in dogs.
- It underscores the importance of considering neurological signs in canine Lyme borreliosis diagnosis.
- Further research is needed to understand the prevalence and specific neurological impacts of Lyme borreliosis in canines.