Lyme Disease

Dogs, horses, and other domestic animals that are susceptible to the bite of an infected blacklegged tick may develop a range of symptoms which may indicate Lyme disease infection.

Symptoms

Dogs

Many infected dogs show no symptoms at all. Other dogs may develop lethargy, joint pain (which may present as shifting from foot to foot or lameness), loss of appetite, fever, fatigue, kidney damage, heart disorders, and neurological disorders (including aggression, confusion, overeating). Symptoms may become chronic.

Cats

Lyme disease appears to be rarely encountered in cats and most infected cats show no symptoms. Cats may present with fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, eye problems, breathing disorders, heart disorders, and possible sudden collapse.

Horses

Most infected horses do not seem to experience any symptoms. Horses may present with arthritis (stiffness and swelling in large joints and shifting from foot to foot), loss of appetite, weight loss, and behavioral changes.

Treatment

Domestic animals are generally treated for Lyme disease with a course of antibiotics. If detected early enough, there is almost complete relief of pain and lameness within 24 hours of initial treatment in animals. Chronic cases of the disease respond much slower and require longer periods of treatment. You should consult your veterinarian about proper treatment of your pet.