A new-generation canine Lyme disease vaccine is now available for dogs, providing protection in two different ways from the dangerous Borrelia burgdorferi infection. The vaccination has been released by Intervet/Schering-Plough and is called Nobivac.
When a tick attaches to a dog and begins to drink the blood, Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria begin to multiply inside the gut of the tick. From there the bacteria move to the salivary glands of the tick, finally being released into the dog through the wound.
Lyme disease symptoms in a dog include fever, lameness, swollen lymph nodes and a lack of appetite. Untreated Lyme disease can cause permanent heart, kidney, joint and nervous system damage. Untreated Lyme disease can be fatal. Unfortunately, Lyme disease is on the rise in both humans and pets alike.
The canine Lyme disease vaccine Nobivac kills spirochetes in the tick’s gut, in the salivary glands and in the spirochetes that enter the dog as well. This is more protection than has been available in the past, which is an exciting advancement in the prevention of Lyme disease in dogs.
Nobivac is administered subcutaneously once and then another vaccination is given two to four weeks from the first. Following that, dogs are given a booster yearly. If you live in an area known for ticks or Lyme disease, talk to your veterinarian about this new Lyme disease vaccination.
