Lyme disease is one of the most common and serious tick-borne illnesses that affects dogs and humans alike. Also known as canine Lyme disease or canine borreliosis, this condition is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
This bacterium is a spirochete, a unique, corkscrew-shaped organism. It’s a troublesome pathogen to deal with, as it’s challenging to eliminate once it has gained a foothold. What makes the bacteria dangerous is their ability to sneak and remain undetected.
Lyme disease won’t show symptoms until the later stages. That’s why once the signs appear, it’s crucial to have vet care.
How Can Dogs Get Lyme Disease?
The disease actually starts with a parasite. Dogs get Lyme disease when they’re bitten by a tick carrying the bacteria, with the deer tick considered the primary carrier. The ticks must remain attached to the dog and feed on it for about 24 to 48 hours in order to transmit the bacteria.
Once the bacteria get into the bloodstream, they begin to spread throughout the body, affecting numerous organs. In severe cases, they can reach the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. While they are a seasonal threat, ticks can be a year-round concern in warmer climates.
All types of dogs can be affected by canine borreliosis. The risk, however, does increase in dogs who:
Regularly have outdoor activities
Have long and thick coats
Live in wooded areas
What Are the Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs?
The signs of canine Lyme disease can appear gradually, so any small change should be noted.
Intermittent lameness. Affected dogs can be seen limping, sometimes switching from one leg to another. This is due to the inflammation of the joints caused by the reaction of the immune system to the bacteria.
Stiffness and discomfort. You may notice some stiffness and discomfort in your dog, especially when they move or get up. In some cases, they will prefer to rest and lie down more often.
Lethargy and weakness. Dogs can also be lethargic when affected by Lyme disease. Rather than play, they’d prefer sleeping and resting.
Swollen joints. The joints affected can be swollen and tender to the touch. Some will use other legs more than the affected one.
Fever. An elevated body temperature can be observed due to the infection.
Loss of appetite. Dogs with Lyme disease will skip meals and pass on their favorite treats. Their once strong appetite will be reduced due to discomfort and digestive upset.
Sensitivity to touch. Affected dogs can yelp and cry out whenever you touch their legs or joints.
Complications of Canine Lyme Disease
In severe cases, Lyme disease in dogs can progress to something more. One of the most dangerous complications includes Lyme nephritis, a condition in which the kidneys get inflamed from an autoimmune response.
While it’s not common, it’s a serious concern. It happens when the bacteria trigger an immune response. This response leads to the production of antibodies, which bind to the bacteria, forming immune complexes.
These complexes can stack up in the glomeruli, triggering inflammation and damage to the kidney tissue.
Aside from kidney damage, canine Lyme disease can also result in Lyme arthritis. This is due to chronic joint stiffness and inflammation that went untreated for a long time.
Diagnosing Lyme Disease in Dogs
The condition is often tricky to diagnose since many of its symptoms are also present in other conditions. We’ll need to use a series of tests to confirm the specific diagnosis.
First, we’ll need to conduct a physical examination. We’ll check your dog’s body for any noticeable indicators and ask you about the symptoms you observed at home.
Laboratory tests will be the main diagnostic method to accurately confirm your dog’s Lyme disease. The types include:
SNAP 4Dx test. The SNAP 4Dx test works by detecting specific antibodies that are produced in response to Borrelia burgdorferi. The test works by using a synthetic C6 antigen, which is specific to the bacteria. If there are any antibodies created, then the test is positive.
C6 test. While the SNAP 4Dx is a test that provides rapid results, the C6 test provides a quantitative result. This follow-up test measures the amount of C6 antibodies in the blood, helping determine the severity of the infection.
Polymerase Chain Reaction test. This test helps by detecting the presence of the DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the main cause of Lyme disease.
We'll also use other tests to rule out complications. For instance, our vets can do a urinalysis to check for kidney conditions and a joint fluid analysis to assess inflammation and infection in the joints.
Lyme Disease in Dogs Treatment
The main course of treatment for canine borreliosis is through antibiotics. Doxycycline is the most commonly used medication for it, requiring a course of at least four weeks. We advise following the full course of treatment even if the signs start disappearing.
Additionally, other medications can be used to support the treatment. These include pain relief medications, anti-inflammatories, and joint supplements.
In severe cases, hospitalization will be required. This happens when other organs have been affected. Hospitalization will also involve IV fluids, medications for specific organs, and other supportive therapies.
During the recovery period, regular follow-up visits are recommended in order to make sure the treatment process is working.
Prognosis for Dogs With Lyme Disease
The outlook for dogs with Lyme disease is generally good if the condition is diagnosed early and treated promptly with medications. Almost all dogs respond well to the treatments, with symptoms easing within a few days to weeks.
However, in cases where Lyme disease is left untreated, complications like Lyme nephritis, chronic joint inflammation, or neurological problems can develop. At this stage, dogs will have a poorer diagnosis because of the severity of these issues.
Like with most diseases, Lyme disease holds a much better chance of full recovery when diagnosed and treated early.
Lyme Disease Prevention in Dogs
It’s much easier to prevent canine borreliosis than to treat it, and the most effective way is to protect your dog from ticks.
Regularly provide tick preventives
Provide regular tick preventives for your dog. This can include oral tablets, topical treatments, or tick collars. These products effectively keep ticks at bay, killing them before they can transmit disease.
Keep your home tick-free
Ticks love to stay in tall grass. If you have a lawn, then be sure to have it regularly mowed. Additionally, make sure to trim bushes and remove clutter from the yard.
Schedule regular vet visits
Routine vet visits help us check for any issues early on. We may perform a series of tests based on your dog’s current condition. These tests can give us an idea of your dog’s overall health.
“The best defense against any disease is awareness. Your dog deserves the best care.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Final Thoughts
Canine Lyme disease is a severe but preventable disease. It’s most dangerous when it goes unnoticed and left untreated. However, with the right understanding and care, you’ll be able to keep your dog safe and protected.
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