A Guide to Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease, caused by a spirochete (bacteria) species of the Borrelia burgdorferi group, is one of the most common diseases in the world to be transmitted by ticks. Unlike in humans, the disease doesn’t cause a rash in dogs but causes other symptoms like lameness due to inflammation of the joints, depression, and lack of appetite. In more serious cases, the disease can also cause damage to the kidneys and, in rare cases, problems with the heart and nervous system as well.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Many dogs suffering from Lyme disease experience recurrent lameness of their limbs due to their joints becoming inflamed. Other dogs, on the other hand, might experience acute lameness, which will last for only about three to four days but will flare up again days or even weeks later, with the same leg becoming lame or other legs.
Some dogs develop kidney problems, which, if not treated in time, will result in glomerulonephritis, which causes the kidneys to become inflamed and the blood filter in the kidney to not function properly. Total kidney failure will set in at some point, and the dog will show signs of vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, lack of appetite, thirst, and an increase in urination, fluid buildup in the abdomen, as well as fluid buildup in the tissues, especially under the skin and in the legs.
Other symptoms of the disease include:
- Sensitive to touch
- Stiff walk with an arched back
- Possibly swelling to the superficial lymph nodes close to the site of the tick bite
- Lack of appetite, depression, and fever
- Although rare, nervous system problems and heart abnormalities as well, including complete heart block
Treatment of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Unless the dog is severely sick, it will be treated as an outpatient if diagnosed with Lyme disease. An antibiotic will be prescribed, and the dog should be kept warm and dry and prevented from being too active until the symptoms have improved. Treatment usually lasts for about four weeks, and the vet will probably recommend a few diet changes as well. Dog owners are advised not to give their pets painkillers unless their vet has recommended them.
Unfortunately, some animals do not fully recover from the disease and may experience joint pain even after the disease has been completely eliminated from their system.
Recommended Product: Adams Plus Flea and Tick Spot On for Dogs |
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Treating Lyme Disease is very important, but preventing it is even more important for people and dogs. A good tick and flea treatment that is designed to keep Lyme Disease carrying ticks off your dog is the first line of defense. If ticks never bite your dog, there's no chance they will ever have to deal with Lyme Disease. We like spot-on treatments because they are easy to apply, and there are many effective ones on the market. You can even use a tick and flea shampoo a few days before using this kind of treatment to create layers of protection. |
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Diagnosis of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Your vet will require an in-depth history of your dog’s health, as well as a history of other symptoms and incidents that could have possibly triggered his condition. The information you provide for your vet could give him/her hints as to which organs could be affected. Your vet will also conduct a complete blood profile, including a complete blood count, a chemical blood profile, and a urinalysis. These tests will show your vet whether parasites, bacteria, and fungi are present in the bloodstream. Fluid may be drawn from affected joints as well for analysis.
Your vet will also consider immune-mediated diseases to be the cause of your dog’s symptoms, and the painful joints will be x-rayed, too, to allow the vet to check the bones for damage or disorder.
Prognosis of Lyme Disease in Dogs
If treated early and properly, many dogs will survive Lyme Disease. The most important thing is always to seek medical attention as soon as you suspect your dog has been exposed to Lyme Disease.
Areas and Breeds Affected by Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease occurs all over the world and seems to affect young dogs more than adult dogs. Kidney problems seem to occur more often in Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Labrador Retrievers. Lyme disease can affect all breeds, although dogs that are at higher risk of being exposed to ticks, such as hunting dogs and those used for other outdoor activities, are more susceptible.