Arthritis and Lyme Disease Symptoms in Dogs: How to Distinguish Them
Lyme disease symptoms in dogs can be similar to the symptoms of arthritis. However, there are some crucial differences in the symptoms of the two illnesses.
Symptoms of Arthritis
A dog with arthritis may become less active due to the soreness of his joints. He may favor one leg over the other. He may move stiffly and slowly when sitting, standing, and lying down.
Arthritis commonly affects older dogs. Arthritic symptoms in dogs come on slowly and never improve on their own; they only get worse with time.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can include soreness in the joints, similar to that of arthritis. However, in Lyme disease the soreness comes on suddenly, and may move from one leg to another. If left untreated, the soreness may disappear, only to recur later.
Lyme disease symptoms in dogs can include hot, swollen joints, which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis. In Lyme disease, hot swollen joints are accompanied by high fever and swollen lymph glands.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Disease
Your vet will use an exam and blood tests to make a diagnosis of Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics, but the course of treatment may be quite long. With early detection, however, your dog can experience relief from Lyme disease symptoms within twenty-four hours.