Dog Lyme Disease

Dog Lyme Disease

An Owner's Guide to Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease in dogs is a condition that can cause a wide range of problems with your dog.  It can damage the heart, kidneys, or joints if left unchecked.  This disease usually occurs in southern states, northeastern states, California, and Mississippi.  However, it can occur in virtually any part of the United States.

Cause

You may be wondering what causes this disease.  Dog Lyme disease is transmitted via tick bite.  The tick that carries this illness is infected with a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi.  The bacterium can't be transferred immediately though, as the tick has to stay attached to your dog for one or two days.

Symptoms

If your dog is affected by this illness, he will show a range of symptoms.  Most dogs developing limping, especially in one of the forelegs.  Although this limping will be hard to detect at first, it will become much more noticeable as the disease progresses.  Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and fever.

Diagnosis

The Veterinarian's first step in diagnosing Lyme disease in dogs is to take a medical history and discuss your dog's symptoms.  These symptoms will appear suddenly, which points to Lyme disease.  The condition can be definitely diagnosed through a blood test to detect the presence of the aforementioned bacterium.  

Treatment

Dog Lyme disease should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.  If not, permanent damage can be done to your dog's joints and nerves.  The preferred method of treatment is through the use of antibiotics.  These drugs must be taken for at least three weeks.  If your dog is experiencing a lot of pain, your veterinarian may also prescribe aspirin.

Prognosis

Although treatment lasts for about three weeks, most dogs will start feeling better within a couple of days.  However, the disease may recur in months or even weeks.  This will require another round of antibiotics.

About the Author

Lyme disease in dogs is a potentially serious disease. However, there are many other diseases that can affect your dog such as canine bloat. Any responsible owner should want to know the causes and symptoms of some of these conditions in case they affect your dog. Dog-illnesses.com provides all of the information you need about a wide range of diseases. So, stop by right now to learn about some of these conditions like canine Cushing's disease.

What are the symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs?

My dog was just diagnosed w/Lyme Disease (we've had him for 3.5 years; got him from a shelter) but we don't know at what stage it's at. Currently we're treating him w/antibiotics which are helping the excessive drinking/peeing. Does Lyme Disease make dogs dumb? My dog seriously will NOT listen to me anymore and he's been taking off lately (after years of being just fine!) Perplexing...

becomes like Arthritis Symptoms ; go back to basics for retraining ; everyone needs a refresher at time to time

DAN with lyme disease dog

 

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Dog Lyme Disease

Tagged with: disease • dog • dog lyme disease • dog lyme disease prognosis • dog lyme disease symptoms • dog lyme disease treatment • dog lyme disease vaccination • dogs • lyme • tick

Filed under: Dog Arthritis

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