Treatment for Lyme Disease in Dogs

By Geraldine Dimarco

What is canine Lyme disease? This is a condition that has affected thousands of dogs every year. This is not specific only to dogs – humans and other pets can contract Lyme disease. While it is generally not fatal in nature; it can cause extreme pain to the canine and possibly bring severe damage to him when left untreated for a long time.

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.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of dog diseases will help in keeping your pet from having to suffer this dreaded ailment. Dog Lyme symptoms are not as easily detected as pet owners would have liked? nevertheless, they are useful to know about for future reference.

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 symptom linked to this disease is the victim’s lameness. Indeed, Lyme disease has often been mistaken as arthritis even by some veterinarians. You will notice that this limp may transfer to another limb and disappear, only to come back after a few weeks or months.

Lymphadenopathy (disease of the lymph nodes) will accompany the arthritis-like symptoms. The tick transmits the infection to the bloodstream. It then travels to the other body parts, specifically to the joints and limbs , and you will see a swelling of the lymph nodes. When you notice that the pain is not localized in the joints and limbs, it is highly probable that the disease has reached its more 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 Lyme disease on its own.

The good news is Lyme disease is simple to address. Be sure to vaccinate and groom your pet regularly to inhibit this condition. Check with your vet if there are any changes in your dog’s physical and behavioral patterns.

About the Author:

Knowing about common dog diseases is essential to keep your pet as healthy as possible. Discover important information on dog diseases and symptoms that can help save your dog’s life one day.