My dog has a target mark. Is it Lyme? Do I need an emergency vet?

Question

Hi, I think my dog might have Lyme disease. He has a target shaped mark near his genitals. His regular vet doesn’t open until tomorrow. Should I take him to an emergency vet? I don’t know for sure how long it’s been there, but I know it’s been less than a week. Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 50 lbs

Lauren Celestin, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. From the pictiures and your description of the lesion, I am more concerned for ringworm. Ringworm is a skin parasite that is transferable between animals and people and usually manifests as a distinct ‘target’ or ‘bullseye’ skin lesion. To address your concern for Lyme disease (a tick borne blood disease), in dogs, the signs typically include lethargy and lameness. There may be an associated skin lesion due to a tick bite, however that lesion with out the tick usually goes undetected. Lyme disease can easily be detected by a simple blood test preformed by your veterinarian. While not an emergency, Lewis should definitely see his veterinarian as soon as possible for diagnostics and treatment. Until Lewis can be seen by his veterinarian, I strongly advise that you or anyone else in the house hold not touch the lesion and continue to exercise proper hygiene. If you or anyone in the household has a similar lesion, they should be seen by their physician. Hopefully this information helps. Best of luck!

My dog has a target mark. Is it Lyme? Do I need an emergency vet?

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