A potentially fatal disease normally associated with Scotland’s hills and glens is on the rise in Fife.
Lyme disease, caused by tick bites, can affect dogs and cats as well as humans.
After seeing a rise in cases locally, Dunfermline-based Inglis Veterinary Hospital is using Tick Bite Prevention Week this week to raise awareness of the problem locally.
Vet Megan Wood said: “Lyme disease can be a particularly nasty condition which can cause people a variety of medical problems, including, in extreme cases, death.
“And because ticks are invariably found in the countryside, it’s a disease normally associated with people like gamekeepers and hillwalkers.
“However, ticks are just as likely to be found in places like West Fife anywhere, in fact, where there’s a suitable environment for them.
“They like moist, shaded areas like woods, where there are fallen leaves, undergrowth and long grass.”
In humans, Lyme disease can result in flu-like symptoms and untreated, it can cause nerve damage and paralysis.
“In dogs, it is most commonly characterised by the sudden onset of lameness,” Megan said. “Some dogs may develop a fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.
“However, potentially fatal kidney failure and heart problems can also result. We have definitely seen an increase in the numbers of dogs and cats presenting with ticks on them.
“I would urge all pet owners to check their animals over for ticks when they come in from outside.”