This week has been a reminder to me of the devastating effects Lyme disease can have on our pets. A friend and his wife had to make the heart-wrenching decision to euthanize their nine year old chocolate Lab due to the horrible effects this disease imposed on their beloved member of the family.
It was only a year ago when their dog was diagnosed with Lyme disease. This friend used to walk his “best friend” every day and apparently the dog got bit by a tick on one of these walks.
If you look at this map, we live in an area that is high-risk for Lyme disease transmission not only among our pets, but among people. Berks County has a high incidence of Lyme disease as told to me by my vet’s assistant. She said not only are they seeing this disease among pets but there is a high incidence of Lyme disease among people in our area. We truly need to take precautions to protect ourselves and four-legged friends!
My dog, Shadow, has been diagnosed with Lyme disease quite a few times. Whether it’s a new case of Lyme or the unresolved first diagnosis of Lyme disease is anyone’s guess but my husband and I know what signs to look for.
Shadow exhibited one of the classic signs that is found in most dogs with Lyme disease- limping of a foreleg. He had also grown listless and wasn’t running like he normally does. After being on an antibiotic since this past Monday, we can see the difference already. He has definitely perked up and is barely limping on his front leg. The meds are working and I am so glad for him. The last time he was on the antibiotics, he bounced back like a puppy!!
Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen for every dog as illustrated with the chocolate Lab. Lyme disease can cause devastating health problems in pets. Besides the limping of a foreleg or in cases of large dogs, their back legs can be affected, other symptoms to look for are lethargy, lack of appetite or doesn’t want to get up in the morning. You NEED take your dog to the vet immediately if you see changes in your pet. Early detection and treatment are so vital for your pet to regain his/her health.
Lyme disease can also cause chronic arthritis in or even permanent damage to the joints. There is also a small risk of heart and neurological disorders and a fatal form of kidney disease, in rare cases.
Lyme disease is caused by one of three types of ticks but mainly it is the deer tick that attaches itself to your dog, usually on the neck, in the ears, between toes and in the armpits. It is so important to remove that tick. If the tick isn’t attached or engorged it can’t transmit the disease. To remove a tick, remember to firmly grip the tick with a tweezers as close to the skin as possible and slowly pull out the entire tick. You can kill the tick by immersing it in alcohol. Pay close attention to your dog’s health and behavior after that.
Symptoms can subside and return months later, even weeks later. Which is what happened with the nine year old chocolate Lab. This dog was loved and this couple didn’t hesitate to take him to the vet and do what was needed to make him healthy. Throughout the year, this beloved dog was better only to suffer again.
In the end, some dogs don’t get better despite the best efforts by their vets and their families. This chocolate Lab even had Frontline medicine to protect against ticks and fleas. Meds work for the majority of pets who are diagnosed. That is why it is imperative that you seek veterinary help immediately. This in turn will help your pet to regain his/her health.
Sadly this chocolate Lab just didn’t respond to the latest treatments near the end and was unable to walk; therefore this couple made that gut-wrenching decision that no pet owner wants to make and allowed their precious dog to rest in peace.
My condolences to this couple on the loss of their beloved nine year old chocolate Lab.
Does or did your pet have Lyme disease and what effects did you experience with it?