What do you know about dog Lyme disease? It is a condition not specific to dogs (human beings and cats also contract this disease), but it affects thousands of canines yearly. Lyme disease is not a terminal disease for sure?but it is severely painful for the dog that is infected with it. Moreover, if left untreated, it will damage their internal systems as well.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia. It is transmitted through deer ticks and is more prevalent in certain areas in the United States. This feeding tick secretes enzymes to keep the host?s blood from clotting and it is this particular enzyme that causes the dog to be sick. If the tick is removed within 48 hours, the spirochete is not transmitted and the dog will not get infected.
Your pet can avoid having to suffer ailments needlessly if you are familiar with the signs and symptoms of dog Lyme disease. The dog Lyme disease symptoms are not as straightforward as pet owners would like it to be; nonetheless, these are valuable information we can use to our advantage.
Typically, the earlier stages of this disease are characterized by high fever, about 103 to 105 Fahrenheit. The dog will also experience a loss of appetite. While these two indicators are usual signs and symptoms of dog diseases, it is reasonable to assume that the canine has Lyme disease when other associated symptoms manifest together with fever and appetite loss.
The most common indicator of dog Lyme disease is perhaps limping and lameness. Many times, Lyme disease has been misdiagnosed as a case of arthritis. The limping may shift from one limb to another and can also leave suddenly, only to reappear after weeks or months later.
Lymphadenopathy (disease of the lymph nodes) will accompany the arthritis-like symptoms. The tick transmits the infection to the bloodstream. It then travels to the other body parts, specifically to the joints and limbs , and you will see a swelling of the lymph nodes. When you notice that the pain is not localized in the joints and limbs, it is highly probable that the disease has reached its more progressive stages.
Acute pain throughout your dog's body is a sure indication that the disease has spread and is affecting the neurological system. In critical cases of Lyme disease, not only is the nervous system distressed, but the heart and liver functions will be compromised as well.
If your pet is showing signs of dog Lyme disease symptoms, visit your vet immediately for correct diagnosis. Take note if your pet has been exposed to parasites; or if you've seen any on his coat recently. It is recommended that you vaccinate your dog for ticks beforehand so that his immune system will be resilient enough to fight off the effects of Lyme disease when it tries to come upon him.
Lyme disease is easily treatable; but vaccination and grooming your dog regularly will help prevent any infection in the first place. See your vet for concerns for any behavioral and physical changes in your dog.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia. It is transmitted through deer ticks and is more prevalent in certain areas in the United States. This feeding tick secretes enzymes to keep the host?s blood from clotting and it is this particular enzyme that causes the dog to be sick. If the tick is removed within 48 hours, the spirochete is not transmitted and the dog will not get infected.
Your pet can avoid having to suffer ailments needlessly if you are familiar with the signs and symptoms of dog Lyme disease. The dog Lyme disease symptoms are not as straightforward as pet owners would like it to be; nonetheless, these are valuable information we can use to our advantage.
Typically, the earlier stages of this disease are characterized by high fever, about 103 to 105 Fahrenheit. The dog will also experience a loss of appetite. While these two indicators are usual signs and symptoms of dog diseases, it is reasonable to assume that the canine has Lyme disease when other associated symptoms manifest together with fever and appetite loss.
The most common indicator of dog Lyme disease is perhaps limping and lameness. Many times, Lyme disease has been misdiagnosed as a case of arthritis. The limping may shift from one limb to another and can also leave suddenly, only to reappear after weeks or months later.
Lymphadenopathy (disease of the lymph nodes) will accompany the arthritis-like symptoms. The tick transmits the infection to the bloodstream. It then travels to the other body parts, specifically to the joints and limbs , and you will see a swelling of the lymph nodes. When you notice that the pain is not localized in the joints and limbs, it is highly probable that the disease has reached its more progressive stages.
Acute pain throughout your dog's body is a sure indication that the disease has spread and is affecting the neurological system. In critical cases of Lyme disease, not only is the nervous system distressed, but the heart and liver functions will be compromised as well.
If your pet is showing signs of dog Lyme disease symptoms, visit your vet immediately for correct diagnosis. Take note if your pet has been exposed to parasites; or if you've seen any on his coat recently. It is recommended that you vaccinate your dog for ticks beforehand so that his immune system will be resilient enough to fight off the effects of Lyme disease when it tries to come upon him.
Lyme disease is easily treatable; but vaccination and grooming your dog regularly will help prevent any infection in the first place. See your vet for concerns for any behavioral and physical changes in your dog.
About the Author:
Knowing about common dog diseases is essential to keep your pet as healthy as possible. Discover important information on dog diseases and symptoms that can help save your dog's life one day.
No comments:
Post a Comment