Overview of Canine Lyme disease

Initially, most dogs do not exhibit any external signs of developing Lyme disease.  Dogs do not suffer from the same symptoms as those experienced by humans.  Signs of Lyme disease shown by dogs can often become apparent several months after a dog has been bitten by an infected tick.

The most common clinical signs exhibited by dogs result in a fever, often reaching as high as 205 degrees.  Pet owners can also expect their dogs to suffer from a decrease in appetite, lethargy, swelling of the lymph nodes, and joints.  Limping occurs due to an arthritic condition that can affect more than one leg, not always at the same time.  The pain can become almost unbearable, with depression coming into play as an additional symptom.  At this point, an infected dog will lose interest in once loved activities.  As Lyme disease progresses, it begins to take a toll on other parts of the body.  The heart, kidneys, and nervous system become subject to chronic inflammation.