Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia. It is transmitted through deer ticks and is more prevalent in certain areas in the United States. This feeding tick secretes enzymes to keep the host’s blood from clotting and it is this particular enzyme that causes the dog to be sick. If the tick is removed within 48 hours, the spirochete is not transmitted and the dog will not get infected.
You can avoid having your pet suffer from this ailment by being alert to signs and symptoms of dog diseases. Certainly, there are symptoms we can watch out for.
Typically, the infected dog will have fever of 103 to 105 Fahrenheit in the earlier stages of Lyme disease. He will also lose interest in food. While fever and loss of appetite are common signs and symptoms of dog diseases, when coupled with other factors related to dog Lyme disease, it is reasonable to conclude that the canine is indeed suffering from this condition.
The most common indicator of dog Lyme disease is perhaps limping and lameness. Many times, Lyme disease has been misdiagnosed as a case of arthritis. The limping may shift from one limb to another and can also leave suddenly, only to reappear after weeks or months later.
These arthritis-like symptoms are usually accompanied by the swelling of the lymph nodes. Lymphadenopathy means ‘disease of the lymph nodes’ and will manifest together with the other signs. When the tick has invaded the dog’s bloodstream, the infection will be carried to other body parts and would usually be localized in joints. When the pain is not confined to just the joints and limbs, the disease is in its progressive stages.
Severe pain throughout the whole body is an indication that the disease is already widespread and has affected the dog’s neurological system. The more critical cases of Lyme disease will cause heart and kidney problems, as well as complications in the nervous system of the dog.
If your canine has been exhibiting dog Lyme disease symptoms, visit the vet immediately to obtain a diagnosis. Take note of when your dog has been exposed to ticks or if you have seen any of these parasites on your dog lately. If your dog has been previously vaccinated for ticks, his immune system will be able to fight off this disease on its own.
Lyme disease is easily treatable; but vaccination and grooming your dog regularly will help prevent any infection in the first place. See your vet for concerns for any behavioral and physical changes in your dog.
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