Is is arthritis or is it Lyme Disease? How would you know?

I just took my baby dog, Velvet, in for an exam at Banfield Pet Hospital.

I mention Banfield by name because I am so grateful to them. They offer an excellent health plan that includes a complete physical exam. I never would have been able to afford this exam at a regular vet office and without it would never have uncovered Velvet's problem.

I think she was infected a year and a half ago. She had an "attack" where she could not get up. I gathered my neighbors to help me carry her on a litter down the stairs.

The vet told me it was arthritis. There was no mention of Lyme disease or suggestion I should test for it. I assumed there wasn't anything I could do about it - she never had an attack like that again - and we just continued on ...

Well - that is water under the bridge. Can't change the past but at least now we are on the right track for her present and future. I will do all that I can to help Velvet rebuild her joints and feel good 'cause we got a lot of living to do ...

BTW Banfield is nation-wide. So - when we drive out to San Diego this fall I am not leaving my vet behind -- they will be there waiting for us if need be.