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.
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.
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
.
Does Lyme disease cause weight loss in dogs?
Non-specific signs which may indicate that Lyme disease is affecting the kidneys include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia (lack of appetite), and
weight loss
. The kidney form of the disease is less common, but often fatal.
Does Lyme cause bloating?
Rarely does acute Lyme disease cause gastrointestinal symptoms, but occasionally nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and abdominal pain can occur.
More commonly, digestive symptoms such as constipation, gas/bloating, and abdominal discomfort occur in chronic or late-stage Lyme disease
.
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.
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.
Can a dog live a normal 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
.
Does Lyme disease shorten a dog's life?
Chronic problems from Lyme disease may include kidney, heart, or neurologic problems. In dogs, the most common of these chronic problems is possibly irreversible kidney failure (a form called glomerulonephritis).
Kidney failure can ultimately reduce a pet's quality of life and lifespan
.
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.
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.
Can dogs take doxycycline?
Dogs generally tolerate doxycycline well
, but it is always a good idea to understand the possible side effects of a drug before you give your dog a new medication. The most common side effects are symptoms of GI upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
How long do dogs live with Lyme nephritis?
This case highlights how presumptive Lyme nephritis can be managed and how dogs can fully recover. Recent research shows that, if dogs can be supported through the first month after diagnosis, they typically have a good survival rate (
mean = 400 days
).
Can Lyme cause stomach issues?
Horowitz, MD notes that
Lyme and co-infections can cause inflammation leading to issues such as abdominal pain, nausea, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or reflux disease, with occasional vomiting
.
Is diarrhea a symptom of Lyme disease in dogs?
In rare cases, Lyme disease can cause kidney failure in dogs, which can result in vomiting, diarrhea
, increased drinking and urination, weight loss and puffiness of extremities. If you notice any of the above symptoms—we repeat, any of the above symptoms—give your vet a call ASAP.
Can Lyme cause dysphagia?
Lyme disease, a systemic illness resulting from infection with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi,
can occasionally manifest with problems such as facial nerve paralysis, pharyngeal pain, and associated dysphagia
.
How does a dog with Lyme disease walk?
Lameness in the legs that may shift, be periodic and/or recurring (known as “shifting-leg lameness”) Joint inflammation, swelling and warm to the touch. Stiffness, discomfort or pain when trying to move;
avoids moving
.
Arched back due to stiffness when walking
.
How do you get rid of Lyme disease in dogs?
Treatment for Lyme disease in dogs usually involves
a course of antibiotics which will last for 4 weeks or longer
(the antibiotic Doxycycline is typically a first-choice option). If your pooch seems to be experiencing a lot of pain, your vet may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help alleviate joint pain.
Does Lyme disease make dogs thirsty?
Increased thirst and urine
The heightened body temperature may cause your dog to drink much more water. The increased consumption can also be caused because of kidney failure that's associated with Lyme disease. And, obviously, the more water they drink the more often they will need to go to the bathroom.
Can a dog recover from Lyme disease without treatment?
Can my dog recover from Lyme disease? If you are able to detect the disease early, symptoms should disappear within the first 3 days of your pup's treatment. However, while treatment is usually very effective at eliminating signs of Lyme disease,
dogs with Lyme disease can remain positive for the rest of their lives
.
