Overlooked Symptoms of Lyme Disease

by Longevity Veterinary Center

There is so much to love about summertime when you are a dog owner with the very unfortunate exception of the ever-growing and spreading tick population during summer months. Here in the Northeastern US as many as one in ten dogs will be diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Each year, between 10,000 and 20,000 cases of seropositivity for Lyme will occur in New Jersey alone as a result of a tick bite. What makes tick bites even more complicated is that other tick-borne illnesses may also be present or go undiagnosed.

Lyme testing is essential here in NJ, not only if you have found a tick on your pet but also if you are noticing any unusual behaviors or symptoms. Many common symptoms of Lyme Disease can be confused with other diseases or conditions or dismissed as signs of aging in pets. Here are some of the most common symptoms in dogs to watch out for that could be indications of Lyme:

Lethargy: Being tired and uninterested in their usual activities is often attributed to aging, depression, infections, or other diseases in pets but is common with Lyme.

Lameness: Limping or shifting weight from one leg to another often alternating or coming and going can be a sign of Lyme. Pet parents could mistake this for arthritis, injury, or hip dysplasia.

Fever: Fever is a telltale sign of many illnesses, including Lyme Disease. A temperature of 102.5 degrees or higher may warrant a trip to your veterinarian (depending upon what is normal for your pet). If you don’t have a pet thermometer, you can check for signs of fever such as your pet being lethargic, uninterested in food, having warm paws and ears, or showing signs of shivering or trembling. 

Loss of Appetite: Many pets will lose their appetite with a fever, as can be the case with a Lyme infection. Some pet parents attribute this to pickiness, aging, or digestive upset.

Swollen Joints or Lymph Nodes: Joint swelling and achiness are common with Lyme Disease and, as with any infection, lymph node swelling can be evident. These symptoms could be mistaken for another kind of infection, arthritis, or even cancer.

Behavioral Changes: Changes in your pet’s aggression, desire to be handled or touched, or hypersensitivity can all occur with Lyme but may be mistaken for neurological issues or anxiety.

Undiagnosed Lyme Disease can create a whole range of issues for your pet that can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, with worsening severity. As such, regular Lyme Disease testing is an important part of keeping your pet safe and healthy. Contact us at Longevity Veterinary Center (www.lvcnj.com) if you suspect that your pet may need a Lyme Disease test.

Should your pet test positive for Lyme Disease, there are both conventional (antibiotics) and integrative options that can be pursued to heal your pet. Holistic therapies such as ozone therapy, fecal transplants, cold laser therapy, herbal supplements, and acupuncture can all be incredibly useful for Lyme Disease treatment.

Longevity Veterinary Center is located at 265 Route 10 East, Whippany. For information call 973-606-1101 and visit LVCNJ.com. See ad below.