Tick list for 'prevention'

We have recently moved with our seven-year-old crossbreed dog to an area where ticks, which cause Lyme disease, are apparently prevalent.

- DR DAVID GRANT

Is the disease common in dogs and what are the signs? How do you prevent this disease?

Lyme disease is not particularly common in dogs, and even if infected many dogs will show few signs, with just a minority becoming ill. Your vet will be able to advise on how common the disease is in your area. The cause of Lyme disease is a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. Between 4-6% of ticks (up to 12% in some areas) are carriers of the bacterium in the UK.

When signs do appear it may be weeks to months after an infected tick bite, which can make the diagnosis tricky.

The most obvious signs are joint problems, which may be swollen and painful.

Lameness, which can shift from one leg to another, is very characteristic.