Lyme is not that prevelent here SO FAR.
If canine Lyme disease does actually occur, it does not begin to manifest for weeks to months after infection at which point arthritis signs are noticed. Sometimes there is a fever, sometimes not. In dogs, heart and neurologic issues that humans experience are exceedingly rare plus the symptoms of canine Lyme disease generally respond rapidly to an inexpensive course of proper antibiotics.
The Borrelia burgdorferi organism is fairly well suited to live in the canine body without causing trouble. Most exposed dogs harbor the organism uneventfully and never get sick. Still, it is important not to discount Lyme disease in the dog completely as it can be overlook as an easily eliminated cause of chronic joint disease especially in dogs of the Northeast U.S.
The dog’s the most serious long term potential regards “glomerular disease.” This is a type of kidney damage that occurs when the immune system is stimulated over a very long time by a hidden infectious organism (or other immune stimulus). This is a problem for which special testing is needed .
As a result of treating human patients that contract this stuff, its no joy ride.
