Symptoms of Lyme Disease are more difficult to detect in animals than people. Some pets are affected with the Lyme Disease organism for over a year before they finally show symptoms.

The key to prevention is keeping your dog from being exposed to ticks. Since ticks are found in grassy, wooded areas and we have plenty of those, be vigilant in checking your dogs immediately after they have been in a possible tick area.

Dr Barlup made an excellent point: do not remove ticks with your fingers. Remove a tick by grasping it with fine tweezers, pulling it straight out.

A vaccine is now available for protecting dogs against Lyme Disease.

HOME   PAGE 1   

Heart Disease can affect our beloved four legged family members.

The most common form of heart disease in dogs is Chronic Valvular Disease. This disease can be found in older, smaller breeds of dogs.

Cardiac disease of the heart muscle (Cardiomyopathy) causes the heart to enlarge and not function properly. This disease usually is found in larger breeds.

Both diseases cause serious health problems in canines. Although heart disease can develop in any breed of dog, some breeds seem more vulnerable: Doberman Pincher, Scottish Deerhound, Boxer, Newfoundland, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Irish Wolfhound, English and American Cocker Spaniel, Samoyeds, Bulldog, German Shepherd Dog, Miniature Schnauzer, Keeshond, Mastiffs, Beagle, Yorkshire Terrier.

On November 11, 2006,a Screening for Cardiac Disease is being sponsored by Doberman Assistance, Rescue and Education (DARE) serving VA, MD, CD and WV. Pre-registration by Nov 1 is necessary. There is a $175.00 fee for this service. Information can be found at www.dobe.net.