Lyme disease is a serious infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. It's transmitted to dogs that are bitten by infected ticks, which can attach themselves to a dog's skin for several days. Severe cases of Lyme disease can cause organ failure, so it's important to be aware of the symptoms when you have a pet dog. You should also be sure to check your dog's skin and coat for the presence of ticks after you've taken them for a walk, particularly if they have been walking in long grass or damp areas, as ticks thrive in these environments. Here's an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for Lyme disease:
Symptoms
A common symptom of Lyme disease is inflammation of the joints, which can cause intermittent lameness in one or more legs. Your dog may arch their back when walking and seem stiff or pull away when being stroked. Additionally, they may have a fever and lose their appetite, and some dogs can become depressed, which may present as a loss of interest in play and exercise. Breathing can become laboured, particularly when bacteria enter the upper respiratory tract, and kidney failure can occur when glomeruli, which are tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that behave like a filter, become inflamed. Signs of kidney problems include vomiting, increased thirst and a build-up of fluid in the soft tissues, which can make your dog look bloated.
Diagnosis And Treatment Approach
To diagnose Lyme disease, your vet will take details of your dog's symptoms and take blood, urine and stool samples for analysis. This can show how your dog's organs are functioning, whether there's inflammation or infection present and whether your dog is dehydrated. A serology blood test can show if your dog's body is producing specific antibodies to target the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. If the test comes back positive, your dog may undergo diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to allow the vet to see the condition of their joints and organs.
Treatment for Lyme disease typically involves a long course of antibiotics that target the strain of bacteria causing your dog's symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed to treat swollen joints, and intravenous fluids can be administered to address dehydration. If your dog's kidneys are damaged, supportive drugs and a change in diet can help improve their symptoms, but in cases of kidney failure, your dog may require lifelong kidney dialysis.
Treatment for Lyme disease is more effective when the condition is diagnosed early. If you think your dog could have this condition, schedule an appointment with your local veterinary services provider right away.