Lyme Disease in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Management
A rider-first guide to understanding equine Lyme disease—how horses get it, why diagnosis is tricky, how vets test and treat, and how to tighten your barn’s tick prevention while keeping work comfortable and show-smart.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease in horses is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by Ixodes (black-legged) ticks. Many horses in endemic regions are exposed; only a subset develop clinical illness, which makes diagnosis and interpretation of tests challenging for vets. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Clinical signs Real Riders watch for
- Documented syndromes: neuroborreliosis (ataxia, cranial nerve deficits, stiff neck, hyperesthesia), uveitis, and cutaneous pseudolymphoma. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Sometimes reported but non-specific: shifting or vague lameness, stiffness, malaise—your vet will rule out more common causes first. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Heads-Up Lyme signs often overlap with other conditions. Track timelines, photos, and training notes to help your vet spot patterns.
Diagnosis & testing
Serology & clinical picture
Antibody tests (e.g., ELISA + Western blot) show exposure, not necessarily active disease. Vets interpret results alongside signs and response to therapy; high titers don’t automatically equal clinical Lyme. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Cornell Lyme Multiplex
The Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center’s Equine Lyme Multiplex measures antibodies to multiple outer-surface proteins (OspA/C/F) to help stage infection and monitor response; it’s only available through Cornell. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Advanced When tissues/fluids are accessible (e.g., ocular fluid, CSF, synovial tissue), antigen detection such as PCR or immunohistochemistry may support a diagnosis in select cases. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Treatment & monitoring
- Antibiotics: Common options include doxycycline, minocycline, or IV oxytetracycline—protocols and duration are individualized by your veterinarian. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Follow-up: Vets monitor clinical response and may repeat testing (e.g., Multiplex) to track trends rather than chase single numbers. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Safety Stick to your vet’s plan; don’t start/stop antibiotics or adjust doses without guidance.
Tick prevention & barn management
- Manage pasture edges, mow grass, reduce brush and rodent harborage; groom daily and promptly remove ticks. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Use appropriate repellents. Citraquin® is a natural, citronella-powered option designed to help deter flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Citraquin® in the kit
Citraquin® Environmental Defense Spray — 32oz • Natural, water-based formula riders use to defend against biting insects—including ticks—as part of a layered prevention plan. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
How to apply step-by-step: Citraquin® Use Guide. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Daily checklist
- Brush & inspect in high-risk zones (mane crest, tailhead, sheath/udder, ears)
- Tack outside stall areas; dispose of removed ticks properly
- Rotate spray + environmental steps; log what works by season
Comfort & supportive care
Keep work comfortable
For stiffness or body soreness during conditioning or rehab, riders reach for sensation-free liniment support that’s under-wrap friendly:
Non-menthol, non-alcohol, show-smart comfort that fits year-round routines. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Team approach
Coordinate with your veterinarian and farrier; log hoof comfort, energy, and eye health. Adjust training blocks slowly and prioritize recovery days.
Lyme Disease — FAQ
How quickly do signs appear after a tick bite?
Clinical signs can show up months after infection, and many exposed horses never become ill. That’s why vets combine history, signs, and targeted testing to build a case. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Does a positive antibody test mean my horse is sick?
Not by itself. Serology shows exposure; vets interpret titers with clinical signs and may re-test to monitor trends or add PCR/tissue testing when appropriate. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
What’s special about the Lyme Multiplex?
It detects antibodies to multiple outer-surface proteins (OspA/C/F), helping indicate stage and track response; it’s performed exclusively at Cornell’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Can I prevent every tick bite?
No method is perfect, but stacked strategies—mowing and brush control, daily grooming, and an effective repellent such as Citraquin®—reduce risk meaningfully. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Educational note: This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Always work with your veterinarian on testing and antibiotic decisions.
