kidney failure in dogs from lyme disease

A rugged rascal since puppyhood, Cowboy had weathered many scuffs, but in spring 2012 his owner, Jay Phillips, noticed something very wrong. Though he had been fine the previous day, suddenly the Boston terrier was reluctant to move or eat and began crying late one night. He seemed limp and in the morning he was paralyzed from the neck down.

It was terrifying, said Phillips. I raced him to Cornell University Hospital for Animals and they took samples for a bunch of tests.

The doctors suspected Lyme disease, and proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia seen on blood work raised concern about the possibility of Lyme nephritis, a condition in which Lyme disease attacks the kidneys.

Test results told us that Cowboy's kidneys were being damaged at two different locations, both at the glomerulus (or filtering apparatus) and the renal tubules (concentrating apparatus), said Dr. Catherine Cortright, who oversaw the case. The glomerular damage was causing protein to leak into Cowboy's urine. The tubular damage resulted in glucose remaining in the urine rather than being pumped back into the body and saved. It caused cells to be sloughed into the renal tubules and appear in the urine.

Testing at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center revealed that Cowboy had chronic Lyme disease and was experiencing an acute flare up. Lyme disease can present two different clinical scenarios; an acute infection, or chronic disease. The acute form usually attacks the joints, causing an intermittent lameness that may move from one joint to another. The more chronic disease is the result of antibodies against the bacteria building up in the blood and blocking the filters of the kidney, causing extensive kidney damage that can be fatal.

Most dogs that are Lyme positive in this area have no clinical signs, and just being exposed and testing positive is not a reason to treat, said Cortright. But Cowboy had developed severe clinical signs. Its possible he had Lyme nephritis, a serious and life-threatening condition that is poorly researched in the dog. Many of the treatment options are in their infancy and there is not yet strong scientific support for any recommended treatments. Cowboy's kidneys had experienced extensive damage. Kidneys in general are not able to regenerate function. This means that every insult that they experience is irreversible, so waiting to treat aggressively could mean the loss of adequate kidney function in the future.

The prognosis was grave, but Cortright prescribed a combination of medications that helped ease Cowboy back to functional kidney levels. Recent tests have revealed a more complex picture, suggesting that autoimmune disease, which can be sparked by Lyme disease, might also have played a role in Cowboys symptoms. Nevertheless, Cowboys symptoms have been managed through medication since he came to CUHA, and frequent rechecks show he continues to maintain the good health he restored.

Initially they had estimated he had two months to live, but I took him home and had a serious talk with him, and years later hes still thriving thanks to the care he gets at CUHA, said Phillips. He looks like a million and still has his spunky personality. I took him on a three mile walk yesterday and he came home and found a rope to play with. I owe Dr. Cortright everything, she was a rock star. She called me from her honeymoon to check in on him. It has been a very long road, but Cowboy has gotten better and better."

5 Ways Lyme Disease Can Damage The Renal System

Lyme disease is a debilitating tick-borne illness that affects around 300,000 Americans every year. When a person contracts Lyme disease, it is often an arduous journey to find out what is causing their symptoms. Since Lyme disease can present similarly to other conditions (including MS, arthritis, and fibromyalgia), its hard to diagnose.

The only course of treatment for the Borrelia bacteria that causes Lyme disease is antibiotics. Once a positive result of Lyme disease comes back, an antibiotics course is administered in the hopes of ridding the body of the bacteria and restoring overall health. Antibiotics dont cure the disease, though, because the bacteria can remain inside the body, hiding from the medication and immune cells. This is what often leads to chronic Lyme disease and ongoing symptoms. But just how serious can these symptoms become? For example, can Lyme disease cause kidney failure?

The damage Lyme disease can do

Lyme disease can damage all of the bodys systems. Specifically, the illness can wreak havoc on:

• The heart and circulatory system
• The central nervous system
• Joints and bones
• Muscles
• The immune system
• Gastrointestinal system
• Skin

So, can Lyme disease cause damage to the renal system? Yes. Lets get to the bottom of how that occurs, and what can happen if it does.

What is the renal system?

The renal system is made up of several different parts of the body that are designed to regulate the urinary or excretory system. The parts of the body that make up the renal system are:

• Kidneys
• Ureters
• Urinary tract
• Urethra

The system is responsible for filtering out toxins, expelling them from the body through the urinary tract. The kidneys are the main organ involved in the proper functioning of the renal system, and they do more than just excrete things the body doesnt need. They are also in charge of keeping a healthy amount of certain minerals available and in the bloodstream by playing a key role in nutrient absorption.

Renal system dysfunction caused by Lyme disease

The renal system is a vital part of the overall functioning of the body. Without the ability to filter the blood, it can lead to the aforementioned symptoms and conditions.

The damage done to the renal system following a Lyme disease infection can:

• Cause the kidney filtration system to cease functioning, or function at a lower level.
• Aid in the formation of lesions on the kidneys.
• Cause the build-up of waste in the bloodstream.
• Lead to the leakage of proteins and red blood cells out of the system.
• Eventually cause kidney disease or kidney failure.

Can Lyme disease affect kidney function?

Kidney disease can be a prevalent problem in patients who suffer from Lyme disease. In cases of chronic Lyme disease-induced kidney disease, the bacteria causes lesions on the kidneys, and can also cause glomerular disease.

Glomerular disease is a condition that causes red blood cells and proteins to leak out of the bloodstream and body and into the urinary tract. The condition can also cause the build-up of certain wastes because it damages the kidneys ability to rid the body properly of that waste.

What are the symptoms of renal problems caused by Lyme disease?

When Lyme disease causes glomerular disease in patients, the symptoms can be serious and debilitating. They include:

• Edema (swelling) in the face, hands, feet, and other parts of the body
• Muscle and tissue loss caused by low amounts of protein in the blood
• Kidney disease leading to tiredness, insomnia, weight loss, itchy skin
• Blood in the urine

These signs and symptoms need to be addressed immediately as they can lead to permanent damage to kidney function, which can cause seizures, coma, or in the worst cases, death.

Other symptoms to look out for if you suspect the development of chronic kidney disease include:

• Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss
• Insomnia
• Chest pain or shortness of breath from the build-up of fluids
• Skin irritations such as pigmentation changes and unexplainable scratch marks
• Hypertension
• Muscle issues such as twitching and cramping
• Cognitive decline (brain fog, decreased mental alertness)
• Chronic fatigue and widespread weakness

Is there treatment for renal damage caused by Lyme disease?

As mentioned above, the only treatment available for Lyme disease is antibiotics. Following this, lingering symptoms need to be treated separately and specifically for their severity. If kidney disease does develop because of Lyme disease infection, it will need to be treated separately but in conjunction with other symptoms and chronic ailments.

To control the symptoms and slow further damage to the kidneys, doctors may prescribe medications for:

• High blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Anemia
• Swelling
• Bone health
• A low-protein diet

These medications all play a critical role in the restoration of the renal system, but each one will be specific to a patients needs and their level of kidney damage. In the worst cases, kidney disease can progress to a dangerous level. This is called end-stage kidney disease. In this case, treatment will come in the form of dialysis or a kidney transplant. These more serious treatments are done only in the worst cases to avoid complete kidney failure.

What should doctors look out for?

If you suspect your patient may be experiencing renal disfunction caused by Lyme disease, its important to get medical history and perform the necessary tests. Blood tests will allow you to determine if there is a build-up of any proteins or wastes in the bloodstream. A urine sample will give you a good idea of what is being excreted from the body and whether or not blood is present in the urinary system.

The best way to battle renal system issues caused by Lyme disease is to diagnose early and begin treatment immediately. The longer these problems are left without treatment, the harder to treat and more serious they become.

Image by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

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Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Tests, Treatment, and Prevention

Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial illness that can be transmitted to humans, dogs, and other animals by certain species ofticks. It is caused by the spiral-shaped bacteriumBorrelia burgdorferi, whichis carried inside a tick and gets into a dog or persons bloodstream through a tick bite. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can travel to different parts of the body and cause problems in specific organs or locations, such as joints, as well as overall illness.

Given the seriousness of Lyme disease, its important to be aware of tick prevention and treatment for dogs.

Where Do Ticks Live?

The ticks that carry Lyme disease are especially likely to be found in tall grasses, thick brush, marshes, and woods waiting to latch onto your dog when they pass by. A tick can transmit the disease once it has been attached to a dog for 24 to 48 hours.

First named when a number of cases occurred in Lyme, Connecticut, in 1975, the disease can be hard to detect and can cause serious, ongoing health problems in both dogs and people.

Lyme disease happens in every state, but infection risks vary. Over 95% of cases are from the Northeast, the Upper Midwest, and the Pacific Coast, although with recent changes in deforestation, migrating deer, and bird populations, percentage rates in these areas are constantly changing.

A small number of cases crop up each year along the West Coast, especially in Northern California. In Canada, Lyme-positive dogs are found mostly in southern Ontario and southern Manitoba. A smaller number of cases are reported each year in southern Quebec and the Maritime Provinces.

How Do Ticks Get on People and Dogs?

Ticks dont jump or flythey can only crawl. They get onto their host by waiting at the tips of vegetation. When a dog or person brushes against a bush, for example, the tick quickly grabs on and then crawls to find a place to bite.

What Are the Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs?

Lyme disease is, unfortunately, a fairly common canine disease.Typical symptoms in dogs include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Reduced energy
• Lameness (can be shifting, intermittent, and recurring)
• Generalized stiffness, discomfort, or pain
• Swelling of joints

Symptoms can progress to kidney failure in dogs, which can be fatal. Serious cardiac and neurological effects can also occur.

The primary carrier of Lyme disease is the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also called the deer tick or bear tick. The tick acquires the Lyme disease bacterium when it feeds on an animal that has been infected, such as a mouse, deer, or another mammal, and then transmits the bacterium to the next animal it feeds on. Image: CDC

How Are Dogs Tested for Lyme Disease?

Diagnosis is made by a combination of history, physical signs, and diagnostics. For dogs, the two blood tests for diagnosing Lyme disease are called the C6 Test and Quant C6 test. Veterinarians perform both.

The C6 test detects antibodies against a protein called C6. Presence of the antibodies suggests an active Lyme infection. The C6 antibodies can be detected three to five weeks after an infected tick bites a dog and may be found in the bloodstream, even before the dog shows signs of illness.

The next step is to do a Quant C6 test. This, along with urinalysis, will help determine if antibiotic treatment is necessary.

How Is Lyme Disease Treated?

Treatment includes antibiotics, usually for at least 30 days. This often resolves symptoms quickly, but in some cases, the infection will persist and prolonged medication may be needed. Treatment can also include other therapies aimed at resolving or relieving specific symptoms.

Can I Catch Lyme Disease From My Dog?

Dogs are not a direct source of infection for people. Lyme disease cant be transmitted from one pet to another, nor from pets to humans, except through tick bites. However, a carrier tick could come into your house on your dogs fur and get on you.

If your dog is diagnosed with Lyme disease, you and any other pets have probably been in the same outdoor environment and may also be at risk. So it is a good idea to consult with your physician and veterinarian to see whether you should test other pets or family members.

Other Canine Diseases Carried by Ticks

Other less commonbut seriousbacterial tick-borne diseases in dogs include anaplasmosisandbabesiosis.

Anaplasmosis can involve symptoms similar to those of Lyme disease. Babesiosis can present with a wide range of symptoms, from sudden and severe shock, high fever, and dark urine to a slowly progressing infection with more subtle clinical signs. Diagnosis of both diseases includes blood tests similar to those used to check for Lyme disease.

Sometimes, dogs and people can become sick with co-infection of multiple tick-borne diseases, where more than one type of disease-causing bacteria is transmitted through a tick bite. This situation can make diagnosis and treatment even more challenging and difficult.

Preventing Lyme Disease and Other Tick-borne Illnesses

Recommendations onpreventing ticksinclude these from Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC:

• Inspect your dogs and yourself daily for ticks. After walks through the woods or grassy settings, check yourself and your dog for ticks. When inspecting your dog for ticks, look especially on the feet (and between toes), on lips, around eyes, ears (and inside ears), near the anus, and under the tail.
• Remove ticks immediately. The quicker you find them, the less likely your dog will be to contract a secondary illness related to tick bites.Learn the proper method of removing ticks from dogs. Invest in a pair of fine tweezers designed to remove ticks. If you are unable to do so, consult with a veterinarian.
• Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick check at each exam. Theyll be able to find any you may have missed.
• Use one of the veterinary-approved flea and tick preparations to prevent ticks from jumping on your dog. Speak to your veterinarian to find the product thats most appropriate for your dog.
• Keep grass mowed as short as possible. Avoid walking into grassy patches in areas where ticks are common if you can.
• Get your dog vaccinated. Vaccination could prevent your dog from getting Lyme disease. They may not be appropriate for some dogs, so discuss this with your vet.