Lyme Disease in dogs

[flipnflap]

does this show up in blood tests? how else can it be detected? Anyone out there have any experiences of this they can relate / or give advice about?

[jules77]

Yes it can be confirmed by blood tests, but it may not show up on the first test, as the bacteria has to have built up, and the dog may already show symptoms before a confirmed diagnosis. Some of the symptoms are a high temperature, swollen lymph glands, weight loss, loss of appetitie and general lethargy.

If you catch the disease early it can be treated very effectively with antibiotics, but if the disease has been left undetected for longer, it can cause degenerative problems to the dogs system which are irreversible.

I believe there is a vaccination against lyme disease if you live in a high risk area, but if you protect your dog with regular flea and tick treatment such as Frontline, and remove ticks asap, it shouldnt cause a problem.

[kita1]

This is interesting regarding aggression and Lyme disease:

http://dogrescues.net/drn/pages/lyme.htm