Can Lyme Disease Cause Deafness In Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If Lyme disease is left untreated it can lead to damage in the kidneys, nervous system, and heart.

Lyme disease affecting the kidneys is the second most common syndrome in dogs and is generally fatal

. Facial paralysis and seizure disorders have been reported in the disease form affecting the nervous system.

What are the side effects of Lyme disease in dogs?

Dogs can display several forms of Lyme disease, but the most common symptoms are

lameness, swollen lymph nodes, joint swelling, fatigue, and loss of appetite

. In addition, serious kidney complications have been associated with Lyme disease in dogs.

What are the long term effects of Lyme disease in dogs?

Chronic Effects of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease, if left to run its course or treated too late, Lyme disease can cause

kidney failure, serious heart problems, neurological issues and long-term joint pain and arthritis

in your pup.

Can ticks cause deafness in dogs?

Ticks are small, blood-feeding animals that

can cause several conditions, including hearing loss

.

Does Lyme cause tinnitus?


Left untreated, as many as 48% of patients with late-stage Lyme disease may develop hyperacusis, tinnitus

and/or sensorineural hearing loss.

Can ticks cause ear infections in dogs?

There are many causes of ear infections in pets, and some breeds are more prone to developing ear infections than others. Here are some of the most widespread causes of ear infections:

Parasites, such as mites and ticks, which can cause irritation and lead to inflammation and infection

.

Can dogs fully recover from Lyme disease?

And now for your sigh of relief:

Yes, Lyme disease in dogs can be cured if the treatment is applied in time

. That’s why it’s super important to take your dog for a checkup if you suspect they were bitten by a tick, even if they don’t show any active symptoms.

What are the 3 stages of Lyme disease in dogs?

3 stages of Lyme disease are

early localized Lyme, early disseminated Lyme, and late disseminated Lyme

.

Can dogs live a long life with Lyme disease?

When Lyme disease is caught early, life-altering complications such as kidney failure, nervous system damage, and heart issues can be prevented altogether.

A dog with Lyme disease can live a long and happy life

.

How long does lameness last in dogs with Lyme disease?

Many dogs who develop Lyme disease have periodic lameness because their joints are inflamed. Sometimes the lameness lasts for only

3-4 days but recurs days to weeks later

, either in the same leg or other legs. This is known as “shifting-leg lameness.” One or more joints may be swollen, warm, and painful.

What Happens If Lyme disease goes untreated in dogs?

Left untreated, canine Lyme disease can

damage the heart, nervous system, and kidneys

. Chronically infected dogs may develop a life-threatening form of kidney inflammation and dysfunction, called Lyme nephropathy or Lyme nephritis.

What is dog lameness?

Lameness refers to

an inability to properly use one or more limbs

. It is most often associated with pain or injury. The most common causes of acute or sudden lameness in dogs are soft tissue injury (strain or sprain), injury to a joint, bone fracture, or dislocation.

What are the first signs of Lyme disease in dogs?

Many animals can have Lyme disease and show no signs. In dogs, the most common signs include

fever, loss of appetite, painful or swollen joints, lameness that comes and goes, swollen lymph nodes, and lethargy

. If Lyme disease is left untreated it can lead to damage in the kidneys, nervous system, and heart.

Will my dog always test positive for Lyme?

Unfortunately, the answer is

likely no

. Some dogs that are treated with months or even years of doxycycline still show positive antibody levels in the future. Despite treatment, the infection can “hide” out in the body for years and always has the potential to cause future problems.

Why does my dog have a bump where a tick was?

PetCoach says

the tick bite bump on a dog is normal and is called a granuloma

. This granuloma is a reaction to the tick’s saliva, and it should only stick around for no more than a few weeks. Apply some antibiotic ointment like Polysporin on the spot where the tick was attached.

Does tinnitus from doxycycline go away?

Is Drug-Induced Tinnitus Temporary or Permanent? Tinnitus arising from taking ototoxic drugs may, or may not, be permanent. The good news is that tinnitus resulting from taking such drugs is

often temporary and goes away in a few days to a few weeks after you stop taking the drug

.

Can Lyme cause nerve damage?

How does Lyme affect the nervous system? Borrelia, the spirochete that causes Lyme disease,

can invade the nervous system, creating a condition called Lyme neuroborreliosis

. In the central nervous system, the infection can cause meningitis (swelling of the brain), and damage various nerves in the brain or brainstem.

Can Lyme cause hyperacusis?


As many as 48% of patients with late-stage neurologic Lyme disease may develop hyperacusis

,1 defined as a lowered threshold for sound tolerance (100 dB hearing level [HL] or less). In severe cases, discomfort can occur at volumes of 60 dB HL or lower; that is, below the range of normal human speech.

How do I remove a tick from my dog’s ear?

How do you remove a tick from your ear canal?

If you or someone else can see the bug, you can

grab it carefully with tweezers

, according to the Mayo Clinic. Otherwise, try using warm mineral oil, olive oil, or baby oil to “float” the bug out of your ear.

What can I put in my dog’s ear for ticks?

Provide your dog with relief from itching caused by these pests. Includes aloe to help soothe his ears. Use

PetArmor Ear Mite and Tick Treatment for Dogs

as an aid in eliminating mites and ticks in the dog’s ears and for relief from itching caused by such conditions.

Why do dogs limp with Lyme disease?

Limping —

Lyme disease can cause swollen, painful joints

. This is the biggest indicator of the disease since the other symptoms are so common – as you’ll see in a minute. If your pet starts limping or showing signs of lameness that’s important signal.

Can Lyme disease cause lameness in dogs?

When Lyme disease does occur in a dog,

it is typically a mild lameness (that may shift from leg to leg)

and fever. Lameness most commonly develops 2 to 6 months after the dog is bitten by an infected tick. Lyme disease is most common in the northeastern coastal states and the upper Midwest of the USA.

What are the side effects of doxycycline for dogs?

Side Effects Of Doxycycline In Dogs

The most common side effects in dogs include

nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing

. Nausea can be reduced if the medication is given to the dog with food. Swallowing or breathing problems can be reduced by following the dose up with a small amount of water.

Is Lyme disease painful for dogs?

Following transmission from an infected blacklegged (or deer) tick, Borrelia burgdorferi travels to different parts of a dog’s body and can cause problems.

Dogs with Lyme disease can experience an array of signs, including joint pain, swelling and fever.

What is considered late stage Lyme disease?

The CDC reports that late stage Lyme disease may appear days to months after the initial tick bite and may include but are not limited to:

Severe headaches and neck stiffness

. Additional EM rashes in new places on the body. Facial palsy, also known as Bell’s palsy – paralysis of one side of the face.

What can I give my dog for Lyme disease?

Medication:

Doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice for treating Lyme disease. Other antibiotic options include amoxicillin and erythromycin

. If your dog is very uncomfortable, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (e.g., carprofen or deracoxib) may also be given.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.