Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
More rain before diagnosis may raise risk of Lyme kidney disease
By Carney, Patrick C·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2023·From the Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Precipitation as a Possible Risk Factor for Development of Lyme Nephritis in Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that dogs, particularly Labrador retrievers, mixed breeds, and golden retrievers, may be at higher risk for Lyme nephritis (a type of kidney disease caused by Lyme disease) after periods of heavy rainfall. The research showed that for each additional inch of rain in the three months before diagnosis, the chances of developing this kidney issue increased. This suggests that pet owners in rainy areas should be aware of the potential link between wet weather and kidney problems in their dogs. If you notice symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or lethargy in your dog, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for evaluation and possible testing for Lyme disease.
People also search for: dog kidney disease symptoms · Lyme nephritis in dogs · Labrador retriever kidney problems · heavy rain dog health risks
Abstract
To determine whether increased precipitation in the months before diagnosis is predictive of Lyme nephritis in dogs, a symmetrical bidirectional case-crossover study was performed on 87 dogs with presumptive Lyme nephritis. Cases were geographically linked to the nearest precipitation monitoring station, and monthly total precipitation for the 4 mo preceding diagnosis was compared to monthly total precipitation 1 yr before and 1 yr after. Breeds affected included Labrador retrievers (n = 31), mixed-breed dogs (n = 19), and golden retrievers (n = 10), with a possible seasonal bimodal peak in spring and fall. In age-adjusted analysis, each additional inch of precipitation 3 mo before diagnosis was associated with an increase in the odds of developing Lyme nephritis (odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.25). The results suggest that increased precipitation is a possible risk factor for Lyme nephritis in dogs. These findings may provide useful information for the accurate diagnosis of dogs with protein-losing nephropathy and may guide future studies of risk factors for Lyme nephritis. The methodology employed here reinforces the concept that case-crossover designs have utility beyond acute exposures and outcomes and offer an attractive alternative for studies in companion animals.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36584315/