Figures from the PDSA

Figures from the PDSA have hit the press over the past week, raising concerns about an apparent sharp rise in Lyme disease in dogs. 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/03/lyme-disease-affecting-increasing-numbers-of-pets-vets-warn/

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/press-office/latest-news/2016/04/04/vets-report-560-percent-rise-in-lyme-disease

Although this is interesting data and any rise in cases is of real concern, it should be interpreted in the light of increased awareness and reporting over the last 7 years. Also the data includes suspected as well as confirmed cases. It will take a larger study or a number of different data sets before we know if this a consistent upward trend of infection in dogs.