Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Higher Lyme disease infection rates found in Bernese Mountain Dogs
By Gerber, Bernhard et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2007·Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Increased prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi infections in Bernese Mountain Dogs: a possible breed predisposition.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that 58% of Bernese Mountain Dogs tested positive for antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, compared to only 15% of similar large breed dogs. This suggests that Bernese Mountain Dogs may be more prone to infections from this bacteria. While these dogs appeared healthy during the study, the higher prevalence of antibodies raises concerns about their risk for related health issues, such as kidney problems. Pet owners should be aware of this potential predisposition and discuss any concerns with their veterinarian.
People also search for: Bernese Mountain Dog Lyme disease risk · dog kidney problems from Lyme disease · symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Glomerulonephritis in dogs has been associated with B. burgdorferi infections. In Bernese Mountain Dogs with glomerulonephritis antibodies against B. burgdorferi have been found in most dogs, raising the question if the breed is predisposed to infections with B. burgdorferi. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies against B. burgdorferi sensu lato in a well defined population of Bernese Mountain Dogs and to compare this prevalence with data from dogs of other breeds. RESULTS: 160 Bernese Mountain Dogs and 62 control dogs (large breed dogs with long hair) were included. All dogs were considered healthy according to a questionnaire filled out by the owner, complete blood count, chemistry panel, urinalysis and urine culture. Bernese Mountain Dogs and control dogs were kept in similar environments. Seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi was assessed by ELISA and Western blot and was 58% in Bernese Mountain Dogs compared to 15% in control dogs. This difference was significant. Neither antibodies against leptospires nor vaccination or hair coat color influenced the results. CONCLUSION: The cause of the considerably higher prevalence of antibodies against B. burgdorferi in Bernese Mountain Dogs and it's consequences are not known. A breed predisposition can be suspected.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17626630/