Lyme disease affects dogs but it's not the same in all dogs. The bacteria that causes Lyme disease in dogs can affect the neurological system, musculoskeletal system, and kidneys. Dogs suffering from Lyme disease will have symptoms that depend on the organs or systems that are being affected. This article will look at the different systems and organs that can be affected by Lyme disease and reveal the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a type of bacterial infection that is spread by the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). It is the most common tick-transmitted disease in North America. The bacteria that causes Lyme disease is Borrelia burgdorferi and it can be spread to dogs through the bites of infected ticks. Lyme disease is a serious infection and, if left untreated, it can cause serious health problems in dogs.
Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary depending on which organs or systems are being affected. In some cases, the infection can be fatal. It is therefore important for dog owners to be aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease and to get their dogs treated if they suspect that their dog has been infected.
How Lyme disease affects the body in dogs
Lyme disease affects the body in a number of ways and it can cause serious health problems in dogs if it is left untreated. The bacteria that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, can affect the neurological system, musculoskeletal system, and kidneys in dogs. Symptoms of Lyme disease will depend on which organs or systems are being affected.
In some cases, the infection can be fatal. It is therefore important for dog owners to be aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease and to get their dogs treated if they suspect that their dog has been infected.
Many dog owners are not aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease and this can lead to serious health problems in their dogs if they are infected. It is therefore important to understand how Lyme disease affects the body in dogs and to look out for symptoms of Lyme disease.
Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs will depend on which organs or systems are being affected.
What are the key symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs?
Borrelia burgdorferi is a pathogen that avoids immune clearance and persists in the skin, joints, connective tissue, and central nervous system. As the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs depend on the body system involved, we will break down the symptoms based on the body systems that are affected. It should be noted that most dogs that are infected with Borrelia burgdorferi are asymptomatic, whereas 15% of infected dogs will show symptoms in 2-5 months after being bitten by a tick. A red, bulls-eye lesion is frequently noted after being bitten by a tick.
Polyarthritis from Lyme disease in dogs
Polyarthritis is a joint condition that is caused by infection or inflammation. It is a common symptom of Lyme disease in dogs and can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. The first limb that is affected is typically closest to the tick's attachment spot. If left untreated, polyarthritis can cause permanent damage to the joints and it can be very painful for dogs. It is therefore important for dog owners to be aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease and to get their dogs treated if they suspect that their dog has been infected.
The most common clinical signs include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Anorexia (lack of appetite)
- Intermittent, shifting leg lameness
Lyme Nephritis (Kidney infection from Borrelia burgdorferi)
Lyme nephritis is a kidney infection that is caused by the bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi. It is a serious complication of Lyme disease and can cause permanent damage to the kidneys if it is left untreated. It is therefore important for dog owners to be aware of the symptoms of Lyme nephritis and to get their dogs treated if they suspect that their dog has been infected. Dogs with Lyme nephritis usually have a sudden onset of the following symptoms:
- Anorexia (lack of appetite)
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
Ocular manifestations of Lyme disease in dogs
One of the key symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs is ocular manifestations. This means that the bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes Lyme disease can affect the eyes of dogs and cause a number of different problems. Some common ocular manifestations of Lyme disease include:
- Uveitis: This is an inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye that contains blood vessels and connective tissue. Symptoms include redness, pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Uveitis can lead to blindness if it is not treated.
- Conjunctivitis: Symptoms include redness and discharge from the eyes.
- Keratitis: Symptoms include redness, pain, and blisters on the cornea of dogs. Infected dogs usually develop corneal ulcers that can affect their vision if not treated.
The key takeaway for dog owners is to be aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs and to get their dogs treated if they suspect that their dog has been infected. Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary depending on which organs or systems are affected, so it is important for dog owners to be familiar with the most common symptoms. The most common symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs are fever, anorexia, lethargy, and intermittent leg lameness. If you suspect that your dog has Lyme disease it is important for you to take it in for a veterinary check-up so that your veterinarian can conduct some tests to determine if your dog is infected with the bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes Lyme disease. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can be subtle and therefore even if your dog appears healthy, it is better to be safe and have your dog evaluated by your veterinarian.