How Do You Test for Lyme and Lepto?

Lyme Disease

Initial Screening — a quick blood test called the “SNAP 4Dx” is performed as a screening test for Lyme(ticks) disease. This test also screens for heartworm (mosquitoes), Ehrlichia (ticks), and anaplasma (ticks). This test can be performed as part of your pet’s annual wellness and/or when Lyme disease is suspected based upon presenting clinical signs.

Next Steps — if the SNAP test is positive, your veterinarian will recommend further testing, which includes:

• Measure C6 antibody levels (blood test).
• Urinalysis.
• Further blood work.

The information gathered from these tests will allow your veterinarian to formulate the appropriate treatment plan.

Leptospirosis

There is no screening test for leptospirosis. Diagnostic tests are performed when leptospirosis is suspected based upon presenting clinical signs. Initial testing may include any or all of the following:

• Blood work.
• Urinalysis.
• Radiographs.
• Ultrasound.

Next Steps — based on what the initial testing reveals, your veterinarian may want to pursue leptospirosis specific diagnostics, which include:

• Testing to detect antibodies to leptospirosis.
• Testing to detect DNA of leptospirosis.

The information gathered from these tests will allow your veterinarian to formulate the appropriate treatment plan.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Written by: Monica Blanchard, RVT