The weather is bitterly cold. Your horse is stiff, not willing to move, and footsore. You’re at a loss as to what it could be. Clearly, whatever it is, it is exacerbated by the cold temperatures. Consider cold-induced exacerbation of Lyme disease symptoms.
◆︎ Lyme spirochetes
The Lyme organism is a spirochete, carried by ticks. While the initial infection frequently occurs in the early spring or late fall, chronic cases can be particularly problematic in the winter. It is notoriously difficult to eradicate because the spirochetes play hide-and-seek.
One major problem that occurs with Lyme disease is that we may not recognize the Lyme infection immediately because it can look like anything. As a result, we may not think to test for Lyme disease for weeks - until we realize that treatments for other conditions were not effective. As a result, the spirochete infection may become more entrenched.
Recurrences may occur, although we really don’t know if it is:
» an old infection that suddenly became active again or
» a new exposure infection.
◆︎ What might we see with cold-induced Lyme disease?
➡ Stiffness
➡ Lameness
➡ Shifting leg lameness
➡ Reluctance to move
These symptoms are similar to cold-induced laminitis, cold-induced joint pain, or other lameness.
◆︎ Confounding factors:
One of the problems that you find with Lyme disease is that a co-infection may occur, due to the immune system being challenged. Examples of co-infections include anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Bartonellosis, or Powassan virus disease. Additionally, other tick-borne diseases exist. A test negative for Lyme doesn’t mean that you are safe and sound, because the symptoms may be a different tick-borne disease. This adds a layer of complexity to treatment.
◆︎ What can you do?
★ Supplements:
▪ CoQ10
▪ Mov-Ease
★ Horse care:
▪ Blanket in cold weather
▪ Consider using shipping boots to help keep the legs warm
▪ Use wool socks and boots to help protect and insulate the feet
▪ Protection from the elements. Provide adequate shelter from the wind and frigid temps.
★ Work with your vet:
If issues persist and appear to be more serious than owner care, work with your vet. Your horse may need treatment with antibiotics. Consult with your vet to develop a plan.
We do the best that we can for our horses. Helping our horse's in the frigid temperatures is a part of that.
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Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
©Joan Kulifay 2025