Symptoms Of Lyme Disease In Dogs

Since many of the symptoms of Lyme Disease are rather generalized, it is entirely possible that this disease may be mis-diagnosed when initially brought to a veterinarian’s attention. The first visible symptoms of Lyme Disease may occur several weeks or months after a dog has become infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease. Many of these symptoms have a cyclic pattern, and may reoccur several times during the progression of this disease.

Limping or Lameness

This is by far the most common symptom of Lyme Disease in dogs. A dog with Lyme Disease will exhibit arthritis-like symptoms in the early stages of this disease, which will often cause Lyme Disease to be mis-diagnosed as an arthritic condition. However, combined with other symptoms, it may be plausible to obtain a positive diagnosis for Lyme Disease after this symptom develops.

It’s possible for the visible limping to shift from limb to limb over a period of time, or to vary in terms of intensity and localization. If treatment for Lyme Disease is not started during this time, the lameness may seem to disappear, only to reoccur some time later.

High Fever

The typical fever for a dog being affected with Lyme Disease is usually anywhere between 103 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a very common symptom of dogs in early stages of Lyme Disease, though may also be indicative of other medical conditions. However, a fever is very hard to detect in a dog, though may also be present among several other symptoms. The best way to “touch-test” a dog for a possible fever is to feel your dog.

Loss of Interest in Food

A dog with Lyme Disease will sometimes seem to lose interest in anything food related, or may refuse to eat altogether. This is also a symptom that could possibly be indicative of many other health conditions besides Lyme Disease. If ignored, this symptom can lead to other symptoms associated with anorexia, including malnutrition, loss of hair, skin discoloration and lethargy.

Severe Muscle Pain

In advanced stages of Lyme Disease, a dog will begin to experience severe, debilitating muscle pain. This is different from the arthritis-like symptom that occurs early in Lyme Disease. Advanced Lyme Disease may result in pain that is not simply localized to the joints or limbs. If this occurs, it may mean that Lyme Disease has progressed into an advanced stage in which it’s causing severe neurological damage that may be unable to be repaired.

Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy is a symptom in which a dog’s lymph noes become swollen or enlarged. Technically, the term “Lymphadenopathy” means “disease of the lymph nodes”. Some dogs that are being affected with Lyme Disease will show this symptom, though it’s usually accompanied by one or many other symptoms of Lyme Disease.

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