The Lyme disease is typically transmitted by tick bites and if this disease is not treated it may become chronic. There are a few chronic Lyme disease symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. The initial symptoms of the Lyme disease may be subtle and may not be recognized, so the dog may live with the disease. However, in time, the symptoms may aggravate and it will be difficult not to notice these symptoms.
Lameness
Lameness is the most frequently met symptom of the Lyme disease in canines. The Lyme disease toxins will cause joint pain and lameness and often, these symptoms may lead to a misdiagnosis and you may believe your pet is affected by arthritis. For this reason, you need to look for additional symptoms that can point to the Lyme disease and help you rule out arthritis. For one, arthritis is more frequent in senior dogs.
The lameness may be present and disappear for a period of time, but will reoccur if treatment is not administered.
Limping
The Lyme disease may cause limping which may be due to the lameness. The limping may be present in one foot or the limping can shift from one leg to the other.
Just like the lameness, the limping may disappear.
Elevated Fever
A dog affected by the Lyme disease will have an elevated fever, which will be between 103 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
The fever may occur between the first symptoms of the Lyme disease, but may also be a symptom of other diseases.
When grooming your dog you should also check his fever; if possible, get a thermometer that will allow you to measure your pet’s temperature. An elevated fever is always a cause for concern.
Lack of Appetite
The Lyme disease will cause a lack of appetite and in some cases the dog may refuse to eat. If your pet refuses to eat for over 48 hours, you should visit a vet; even if the lack of appetite may not necessarily mean that your dog is affected by the Lyme disease, this is a symptom that shouldn’t be ignored.
The lack of appetite can lead to weight loss as well as a poor condition of the skin and coat.
Muscle Pain
The Lyme disease can cause muscle pain; this symptom may be easily pass unnoticed, but it will advance causing massive pain, which cannot be ignored. The dog will sleep more, avoid activities and hesitate to run or jump.
In time, the muscle pain may advance and cause neurological damage, which can be permanent.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
The lymph nodes of the dog will be swollen when the dog has the Lyme disease. This condition is known as Lymphadenopathy.
All these Lyme disease symptoms are common symptoms that may point to a number of other health conditions. However, several of these symptoms are found in your pet, he may have the chronic Lyme disease, which requires treatment.