Introduction
Lyme disease in dogs will cause a variety of symptoms. If it is not treated in a timely manner Lyme Disease can cause irreversible damage to the dog’s organs. Lyme disease can be prevented through yearly vaccinations.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
The first sign of Lyme disease in 70-80% of patients is a red circular rash, called an erythema migrans, around the puncture mark made where the tick pierced the skin. This rash appears after a 3-30 day delay. The most common shape of the rash is an oval 2-3 inches in diameter that usually lasts about 4 weeks.
The center of the rash occasionally will lighten resulting in a bull's-eye appearance. The rash does not itch but may feel warm to the touch. Flu-like symptoms may also develop that often include aches, fever, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, and headache. Arthritis, cardiac disease, and neurologic disorders may develop if the disease is not properly or promptly treated. Sometimes these more serious symptoms develop without the individual ever having had a rash.
It is important to note that a different, but similar disease occurs in Florida and this disease is often confused with Lyme disease. Southern Tick-associated Rash Illness is caused by Borrelia lonestari and vectored by the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum. This disease was first reported in 2001 and occurs wherever lone star ticks are found. Similar to Lyme disease, a red, expanding rash with a central clear area at the site of the tick bite has been reported.