Lyme disease is transmitted from ticks to both humans and dogs. While some dogs do not experience symptoms, others suffer from loss of appetite, recurrent lameness and depression. In a few cases, kidney failure, heart disease or nervous system disease results. Golden Retrievers are one of the breeds most susceptible to lyme disease. Endemic areas include the Pacific Northwest, the upper Ohio River Valley, and New England. If you live in these areas, your dog may be at risk. Affected Goldens may show some of the following signs:
The inflammation of multiple joints known as polyarthritis may indicate an infection. An infected dog will experience lameness in one or more of its limbs. In some instances, the lameness shifts from one limb to another.
In addition to the lameness, some dogs display visible joint swelling as well as joints that are tender to the touch.
When a Golden’s immune system is struggling to fend off the invader, it will experience depression and fever. Your dog may appear lethargic and suffer a loss of appetite.
Sometimes owners will see swelling near the original tick bite, as the immune system attacks the foreign infections.
In rare cases the infection will lead to more serious complications. Specific breeds, like Golden Retrievers, seem more likely to develop the serious sequelae.
Most lyme disease cases respond quickly to appropriate antibiotic therapy. In some instances, the cases become chronic for dogs, much like human cases, but it is not common. It is also reassuring to know that only a small number of exposed dogs become clinically ill.
There is a lyme disease vaccine and your veterinarian can tell you whether your Golden will benefit from this treatment. If you think your dog is having any of the above signs, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. There are serious illnesses that mimic these symptoms and you will need a medical consultation to diagnose and treat them.
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