Common Symptoms

• Establishing a dog's symptoms is an important part of diagnosing Lyme disease. According to Vet Info, common symptoms of canine Lyme disease include a fever between 103 and 105 F, lameness and/or suddenly manifested joint swelling, swollen lymph glands, decrease in appetite and lethargy. Unlike humans, dogs do not generally display a rash or redness around the infection site.
  
  

Arthritis v. Lyme Disease

• Certain symptoms of Lyme disease can mimic arthritis--most notably lameness and swollen, painful joints--making diagnosis tricky. However, the disease presents distinguishing characteristics. Arthritis is usually a result of age--the wear and tear on joints that naturally occurs over time. With Lyme disease, however, soreness comes and goes inconsistently and the hot, swollen joints associated with this parasitic disease are accompanied by fever and swollen lymph glands, unlike in arthritis. Veterinarians will perform a physical exam and blood tests to produce a clearer diagnosis.
  
  

Diagnosing Advanced Stage Lyme Disease

• Diagnosing advanced stages of Lyme disease requires establishing a history of the dog's symptoms over time. With advanced cases, symptoms probably came and went over a long period and may have caused damage to other bodily systems. The immune system can weaken with advanced Lyme disease and the kidneys can sustain extensive damage, which can lead to renal failure. Heart disease and nervous system disorders are also rare but possible. Veterinarians may perform blood tests and conduct other exams to diagnose advanced cases and determine the extent of the damage.
  
  

History of Behaviors and Preventative Medicines

• Part of diagnosing Lyme disease is establishing the likelihood of infection. A vaccine is available for puppies after 12 weeks of age, though not all veterinarians agree on its effectiveness; two shots are given over a period of two weeks, followed by an annual booster. Once monthly tick treatments (like Frontline or Advantage) are also effective means of preventing the transmission of Lyme disease through ticks. If these once monthly treatments have not been given and the dog has had frequent romps in wooded areas, the likelihood of Lyme disease increases.
  
  

Treatment Options

• After Lyme disease has been diagnosed, treatment options are available. The main treatment for this parasitic infection is antibiotics--usually tetracycline or penicillin-based drugs. Most patients recover in about two weeks, but it can take longer. Some dogs require 30 days of treatment, while others require multiple rounds.