Lyme Disease
A tick-borne bacterial disease; endemic in many regions.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by Ixodes (deer) ticks. Most exposed dogs never develop illness, but a subset develop 'Lyme arthritis' with lameness, and a small percentage develop a serious kidney complication (Lyme nephritis).
Common signs and symptoms
Signs vary between dogs and can be subtle at first. Watch for the following, especially if several appear together or persist for more than a few days:
- Shifting lameness (one leg then another)
- Fever and lethargy
- Swollen joints
- Reduced appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Signs of kidney disease (increased thirst, weight loss, vomiting)
Risk factors
Certain dogs are more predisposed. Understanding risk helps you screen earlier and act sooner.
- Living in or travel to endemic areas: US Northeast/Midwest, parts of Europe
- Outdoor lifestyle in wooded or grassy areas
- Golden Retriever, Labrador, Bernese Mountain Dog may be predisposed to Lyme nephritis
When to see a vet
Use this as general triage guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Book a routine appointment if: annual tick-borne disease screening (SNAP 4Dx) and year-round tick prevention.
- Seek urgent care if: sudden severe lameness with fever, or vomiting and reduced urination in a Lyme-positive dog.
Diagnosis and management
Diagnosis combines exposure testing (SNAP 4Dx), quantitative antibody levels (QC6), and urine protein screening. Symptomatic dogs respond well to doxycycline. Prevention is layered: tick preventatives plus vaccination in endemic areas plus checking for ticks after every outing.