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Borreliose, Tierpflege, Tierpflegemittel Borreliose, Tierpflege, Tierpflegemittel Borreliose, Tierpflege, Tierpflegemittel

Lyme disease

Act early: important information about Lyme disease in animals

 Borreliose, Tierpflege, Tierpflegemittel

Lyme disease: The “tick disease”

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. If an animal exhibits lameness or illness for years, no cause can be found, and the animal does not respond to treatment, Lyme disease should be considered.

Our recommendation for boosting the immune system against Lyme disease

Proper nutrition is essential for health and vitality. AnoKath® Liquid can support the immune system. The liquid promotes normal intestinal and liver function and detoxifies the horse's body. Experience has shown that horses are often more resistant to parasite infestations when their metabolism is functioning smoothly . A healthy immune system is also better able to cope with infectious diseases transmitted by parasites. Organic nutrition therefore makes a valuable contribution to the long-term health of horses.
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Borrelia bacteria can infect the entire organism.

Lyme disease, a dangerous illness, is caused by the entry of spirochetes into the body. These bacteria move independently using their corkscrew-shaped structure, penetrating tissues and cells and causing a multisystemic infection. Even ticks can be infected in this way. In the case of infection in a horse, the spiral bacteria spread throughout the body and can lead to arthritis, muscle weakness, and even disorders of the central nervous system. It is crucial to act immediately when Lyme disease develops.

However, not every infection necessarily leads to an outbreak of Lyme disease. A healthy immune system can often successfully fight off the infection. To minimize the risk of Lyme disease, the horse's immune system should be supported, and it is advisable to regularly check the horse for ticks, especially after rides and time spent in the pasture.

Lyme disease infection stage 1

Lyme disease in horses is often only detected in its advanced, chronic stage, as it presents no noticeable symptoms in the early stages of infection. Symptoms such as lethargy, mild fever, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes can occur, but these resemble those of mild flu-like infections. Joint swelling and stiffness can occasionally lead to lameness. The characteristic "bull's-eye rash" (erythema migrans), a skin rash around the bite site that is a reliable indicator of a tick bite in humans, is rarely observed in horses due to their coat and skin pigmentation.

Lyme disease infection stage 2

Weeks to months after infection, problems can develop in various parts of a horse's body, particularly in well-vascularized joints such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Nerves can also be affected. Recurrent paralysis in different locations is common. Many infected horses have an elevated body temperature of 39.5 to 40 degrees Celsius and appear lethargic. The symptoms may initially resemble those of a cold or flu. Other symptoms can include loss of appetite and weight loss, colic-like symptoms, muscle tension, or eye inflammation. In some cases, the infection can also cause damage to the nervous system, heart, kidneys, and other organs. Complications of Lyme disease include meningitis and nerve root disease, facial paralysis, nerve inflammation, kidney damage, cardiac arrhythmias, and moon blindness .

Lyme disease infection stage 3

After a Lyme disease infection in horses, it can take months to years for the disease to progress to stage III, in which the nervous system and other organs are affected. At this stage, the chances of a cure are low, and despite treatment, relapses can occur repeatedly because the pathogens can be inactive for periods of time. Possible symptoms of chronic Lyme disease in horses include rheumatic complaints, chronic muscle or joint inflammation, organ damage, meningitis, laminitis, degenerative skin changes, increased susceptibility to allergies, ataxia, headshaking, and behavioral changes such as aggression or running in circles.

Lyme disease and antibiotics

Antibiotics are not the ultimate cure, as they are only effective during specific phases of Lyme disease proliferation. Borrelia bacteria can enter dormant phases during which antibiotics are ineffective. Under the influence of antibiotics, they sometimes form cell wall-deficient forms that the immune system no longer recognizes. Furthermore, antibiotics disrupt the horse's gut flora, which plays a crucial role in the body's defense. This often leads to fungal infections, allergic reactions, and, in rare cases, anaphylactic shock. Infections that previously appeared to be cured can recur.

Substances that repel ticks can be a good start, but they don't offer complete protection. Therefore, horses should be regularly checked for ticks. Use only appropriate tools to remove the parasites. Oil, glue, or fire should not be used. The tick should be removed whole, including the head, without squeezing it, to avoid infection. Another approach to preventing Lyme disease is to support the immune system. For example, up to 20% of Germans have antibodies against Borrelia bacteria without ever showing symptoms of the disease. This means that even if an infection occurs through a tick bite, not every infected person automatically develops the dangerous Lyme disease. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the immune system to prevent the disease.

FAQs

Lyme disease (“tick disease”) – orientation in the animal sector and hygiene with AnoKath

What exactly is Lyme disease in animals?

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia bacteria . It is often referred to simply as "tick disease." Important: Not every tick carries Borrelia, and not every tick will develop symptoms – but consistent tick prevention and good environmental hygiene are crucial.
AnoKath advantage: AnoKath can support you in consistently implementing hygiene in the animal's environment (resting places, blankets, car/transport, contact surfaces) – as a stable routine alongside tick management.

What symptoms can occur with Lyme disease?

Depending on the animal species and the course of the illness, the following may occur, among others:

  • fatigue, decline in performance
  • Lameness or fluctuating joint problems
  • Fever episodes, malaise
  • Partly nonspecific symptoms that come and go

AnoKath advantage: If you suspect an infection, a clear plan helps: diagnosis + routine. AnoKath supports you in maintaining a hygienically stable daily routine while you thoroughly investigate the causes.

How does my pet get infected – and when is the risk particularly high?

Infection occurs through tick bites . The risk increases in times and regions with high tick pressure, in areas with tall grass, forest edges, damp undergrowth, and in animals that spend a lot of time outdoors.
AnoKath advantage: AnoKath helps you reduce the “tick chain” in everyday life: Regularly manage car, transport box, sleeping area environment, brushes/cleaning tools and contact surfaces hygienically.

What should I do immediately after finding a tick?

Practical immediate plan:

  • Remove the tick as quickly and correctly as possible.
  • Observe the injection site (redness, swelling, irritation)
  • In the following days, pay attention to behavior, fever, and lameness.
  • If unusual symptoms occur, have your pet examined by a veterinarian.

AnoKath advantage: At the same time, you can use AnoKath to keep the surroundings clean (lying area, blankets, brushes/handling areas) – this does not replace tick prophylaxis, but brings more hygiene and order to the routine.

How can I prevent Lyme disease?

Practical immediate plan:

  • Remove the tick as quickly and correctly as possible.
  • Observe the injection site (redness, swelling, irritation)
  • In the following days, pay attention to behavior, fever, and lameness.
  • If unusual symptoms occur, have your pet examined by a veterinarian.

AnoKath advantage: At the same time, you can use AnoKath to keep the surroundings clean (lying area, blankets, brushes/handling areas) – this does not replace tick prophylaxis, but brings more hygiene and order to the routine.

How can AnoKath provide meaningful support in cases of "tick-borne disease"?

Important: AnoKath is not a treatment for Lyme disease itself. Its added value lies in the hygiene and routine aspects , which many underestimate.

  • Consistently stabilize contact surfaces and hotspots (car, transport box, resting places, handles, brushes) with hygiene
  • Clear procedures so that tick management doesn't "get lost" in everyday life
  • Less product mix, one system for many applications

AnoKath advantage: You position AnoKath as a professional hygiene system in everyday animal care – as a useful addition to tick protection and veterinary examination if symptoms occur.