My dog won't jump or climb. Tick found. Is it arthritis or Lyme?

Question

Our grand dog is approximately 5 years old (found when he was a little puppy). Vet said he is part pit, lab, boxer. He always climbed up in his chair and loved to jump on the bed. The past few days he will not climb or jump like he is scared to. As I was wiping his paws last night when he came in from outside, I noticed something on the floor and it was a tick. I checked all over his body for any kind of red rash but saw nothing. Should I be concerned? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 80 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Ticks can pass along diseases, such as Lyme disease, so I would be concerned about that possibility. It can take months for signs of lyme disease to appear, from 2-5 months, so I would monitor Rage for signs of lethargy, swollen joints, painful joints, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. If you see any of those signs, I would have him seen by a vet right away. Make sure the tick is removed completely. If Rage is having problems getting onto the bed, he could be suffering from arthritis, which can be common in middle aged large breed dogs. I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose if he is suffering from arthritis, and can give him some pain meds for it. Rimadyl (an NSAID) is a good drug to give to help with the symptoms of arthritis. I also recommend giving him glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements. They provide the necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. Use of them helps relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis, and you can use it in conjuction with Rimadyl to help maximize relief from his symptoms.

My dog won't jump or climb. Tick found. Is it arthritis or Lyme?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?

How do I safely fix my dog or cat's painful hangnail at home?

My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?

My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?

My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?

Related Brands and Products

Share