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Lyme Disease Medication For Dogs

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What Is Lyme Disease

Treating a Dog with Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. A spirochete is a type of bacterium.

“Lyme disease is transmitted to dogs through the bite of a tick.”

Lyme disease is transmitted to dogs through the bite of a tick. Once in the blood stream, the Lyme disease organism is carried to many parts of the body and is likely to localize in joints or kidneys. The most common type of tick to carry Lyme disease is the deer tick . Deer ticks are distributed through the Midwest and eastern United States, as well as throughout Canada with the highest proportion in Ontario.

Recovery And Management Of Lyme Disease In Dogs

You can expect to see improvement in mild cases of Lyme disease in dogs 3 to 5 days into antibiotic therapy. Severe cases may take longer and can be fatal if kidney damage is too advanced.

Antibiotics do not always eliminate Lyme disease. Dogs infected with Lyme disease will be prone to recurrence of the infection in the future, but antibiotics can be used again to treat the condition.

Owners can help manage their dogs condition by complying with their veterinarians advice and following the instructions on the medication. Learning to recognize the signs of Lyme disease will also help owners get their dogs started on medication as soon as possible to prevent serious side effects in the future.

When To Contact Your Vet

If your pet is showing any of the signs of Lyme disease, book an appointment with your vet ASAP, especially if you have found a tick on them recently. You know your dog best. If they dont have the symptoms listed above but you are still concerned, its always best to contact your vet.

Find out whether you are eligible for free or low cost PDSA veterinary treatment by using our online checker.

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What Happens If Lyme Disease Goes Untreated

Treating Lyme disease in a timely manner is absolutely crucial to your dogs health, otherwise its complications can cause even more severe problems. Dr Muller further warns, Lyme disease can lead to serious damage of the heart, nervous system, and kidneys.

Dogs who are not treated for Lyme disease may find themselves with any of the following conditions:

  • Inflammation of the kidneys, and in severe cases, kidney failure. Symptoms of this kidney failure include increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of extremities, and lack of appetite. This can be fatal.
  • Chronic pain from arthritis
  • Seizure disorders or facial paralysis as a result of damage to the nervous system

Many of these issues, if left untreated, can be potentially fatal, so the answer is clear. If your dog is diagnosed with Lyme disease, take care of it as soon as you possibly can.

How Do You Prevent Lyme Disease In Dogs

AromaDog Lyme Blaster Tick Bite Treatment for Dogs ...

To prevent Lyme disease in dogs, try to avoid tick-infested areas, especially during peak season. When you come in from the outdoors, check your dogâs body and carefully remove any ticks with tweezers.

Year-round tick control helps in prevention. You can also ask your vet about tick-preventive products. These products kill ticks on your dogâs body before they have a chance to spread an infection. Vaccines can also help prevent Lyme disease in dogs, but vets warn against them unless you live in an area that is prone to ticks.

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Treatment Options For Canine Lyme Disease

Four weeks of doxycycline is recommended at either 10 mg/kg once daily or divided twice daily. CS of Lyme Arthritis should rapidly improve within one to three days. Treatment of pain is best with gabapentin rather than NSAIDs to avoid the need for a washout period in case corticosteroids are needed for a persistent immune mediated polyarthritis. Although considered beyond the scope of this article, treatment of Lyme Nephritis includes doxycycline along with the standard treatments for glomerulonephritis, (including a low protein diet, ace-inhibitors, aldosterone receptor blockers, antithrombotics, antihypertensive agents, omega-3 fatty acids, and immunosuppressive agents.

Signs Of Lyme Disease

Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include:

  • Recurrent arthritis/lameness that lasts 34 days
  • Loss of appetite
  • Reluctance to move or a stiff, painful gait
  • Swollen joints that are warm to the touch
  • Pain in the legs or throughout the body

While there are many species of ticks, Lyme disease is usually carried by:

  • Western Black Legged Ticks
  • Lone Star Ticks

Its important to understand that that Lyme disease isnt caused by the tick itself. Well get into detail about this later. But first, lets make sure you understand the ticks role in Lyme Disease in different stages of development larvae, nymph and adult.

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Reducing Future Lyme Disease Risks

  • 1Ask your vet if your dog should be given a Lyme vaccine. There is still some debate in the veterinary community regarding the effectiveness of canine Lyme disease vaccines. If you dog has already been treated for Lyme disease, or is at risk for contracting it, your vet might recommend a vaccine shot.XResearch source
  • Typically, your dog will be given 2 injections over a span of 2-4 weeks, then annual booster shots.XResearch source
  • If you live in an area where Lyme disease is uncommon, the vaccine is probably unnecessary. It does not protect against other common tick-borne illnesses.
  • 2Check your dog for ticks at the end of each day. This is especially important if your dog spends a lot of their time outside. Create a routine pattern for inspection so that you make sure you do not miss any spots. To check your dog for ticks:
  • Start at your dogs head. Brush their fur in the wrong direction with your fingers so that you can more easily feel any unusual bumps.
  • Next, move to your dogs ears. Be sure to lift the ear flaps and look underneath.
  • Check your dogs neck, all around from top to bottom.
  • Feel along your dogs back, sides, and belly. Run your hands down each leg in turn, and dont forget to check in between your dogs toes.
  • Spraying the tick first with a flea and tick spray, or bathing your dog with a flea and tick shampoo, will kill the tick and make removal somewhat easier by loosening its grip.
  • How To Prevent Dogs From Having Ticks

    I Cured My Dog of Lyme’s Disease

    While it is healthy to bring your dog out often to play, keeping them indoors most of the time is still the best way to avoid ticks. After a fun walk outside, thoroughly check them for any signs of ticks or itching as the longer a tick stays attached to your dog, the higher risk of developing a disease.

    Ticks attach to grass, shrubs, etc., and latch on to nearby animals so it would be best to maintain a clean environment to avoid harboring ticks.

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    How Is Lyme Disease Treated And What Is The Prognosis

    Usually, the treatment for this disease is very straightforward and easy. The only problem that may be is that your dog may not be happy that you are tricking him to get tablets for the next month or so.

    Usually, dogs with this parasite are prescribed antibiotics as well as some supportive medicine to help speed up the recovery and protect the kidneys and liver.

    Owners see differences in their dogs behavior in just a few days after the treatment is started.

    The best way for an owner to protect their dog is to be on top of their dogs tick and flea prevention.

    No matter what you choose, either a spot-on, a collar, or a chewable tablet, it is important that you make notes of the last time you used it.

    Another good tip is that you should always do a thorough check of your dog when you get back from a walk in the woods. If you can manage to find and remove the tick in time, your dog will be safe from the disease.

    However, if you do end up at the vet, and your dog was the lucky winner of one Lyme disease, then you are probably going to pay between $80 and $800.

    The price may change from practice to practice and there may be additional expenses if your dog needs to be hospitalized for observation.

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    Dog Lyme Disease Symptoms: Six Indicators

    Unfortunately, Lyme disease is quite common in dogs. So what are the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs? Below are the dog Lyme disease symptoms to look out for:

    The above symptoms may lead to kidney failure, which has the possibility to be fatal. Other health complications include serious cardiac or neurological problems.

    To know whether your dog is exhibiting symptoms, having a pet camera may help so you can monitor your dog at home. One such camera is the Petcube Cam which is a smart, affordable, HD camera, that also has a 24/7 Online Vet service. With products like these, you get peace of mind when it comes to looking after your beloved pet/s.

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    Is Lyme Disease In A Dog Permanent

    Because the Lyme spirochete is a bacterium, it can be treated with antibiotics. The antibiotic of choice is doxycycline, followed by amoxicillin, then azithromycin. Treatment lasts for 4 weeks. Occasionally, the initial infection will recur, or the pet will become re-infected by being bitten by another infected tick.

    Dog Lyme Disease Natural Treatment & Prevention Tips

    12 Symptoms of Lyme disease in Dogs: Treatment &  Prevention

    Dog lyme disease is a terrible, debilitating disease that you NEVER want your best friend to endure. EVER! Its transmitted to dogs 24-48 hours after a tick bite. However, its important to understand that all ticks do not carry lyme.

    Yet ticks are very hazardous to your dogs health and this disease is more rampant than ever before. Many might remember when we could walk, play and roll in the woods without the risk of Lyme disease. Unfortunately, thats not the case anymore.

    Despite what we all think that deer are the ultimate cause of the increase in lyme disease scientists believe that the growing white footed mice population is the real cause for the increase in the disease. Learn more here.

    With this said, you need to do everything in your power to prevent your dog from the disease. Believe it not, but you can effectively, easily, safely and economically prevent and treat lyme for your dog in a few simple steps using a natural protocol. You can learn how further down the page.

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    Advantages Of The Canine Lyme Multiplex Assay

    The Canine Lyme Multiplex Assay is available only at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University. It combines the results obtained by previous ELISA and Western blot testing and exceeds the information obtained by tests that are based on a single antigen of B. burgdorferi such as C6. The Lyme Multiplex Assay provides information whether the dog got infected with B. burgdorferi and when the infection occurred. The test results are fully quantitative and appropriate to follow-up on treatment success or response to vaccination. The advantages of the Lyme Multiplex Assay compared to other Lyme tests are:

    The Lyme Multiplex Assay result provides advanced information beyond any of the currently available Lyme disease testing methods. Lyme Multiplex Assay testing allows a better definition of the dogs current infection status and assists in determining treatment options and prognosis. The infection status can also be determined in most vaccinated dogs. Interpretation varies slightly depending on the vaccine used.

    Special Considerations For Vaccinated Dogs

    The Canine Lyme Multiplex Assay can distinguish between vaccinated and infected dogs. All currently available vaccines for dogs induce antibodies to OspA. Therefore, the results on antibodies to OspA should be used to determine the dogs vaccination status. However, some of the available vaccines also induce antibodies to other Osp antigens. To provide our clients with the best interpretation for each animal, we need information on the vaccine used. Please include the name of the vaccine and the date when the dog was last vaccinated on the submission form if a sample of a vaccinated dog is submitted for testing.

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    My Dog Is Lyme Positive

    The increased prevalence of ticks in the Chittenden County over the last 10 years has led to a greater number of dogs testing positive for Lyme disease.

    The first thing to know when your dog tests positive for Lyme disease is that this test merely identifies dogs that have been exposed to the organism that can cause Lyme disease, not the illness itself. Some time since, or just prior to, the last test, your dog was bitten by a tick that harbored the Lyme bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. According to a study at Cornell University, 94% of dogs that have been exposed will never develop disease symptoms. This means a positive test is not the end of the world.

    Clinical Lyme disease manifests itself in a variety of ways but most commonly we will see limping that is often combined with a decreased appetite and energy level. A physical exam will typically identify joint swelling, pain, fever and sometimes enlarged lymph nodes. If your dog is exhibiting these clinical signs then treatment is imperative. The antibiotic Doxycycline is our first choice. Signs typically resolve within the first three days and improvement can be seen within 24 hours. Typically a 3-4 week course of antibiotics is recommended but longer treatments are sometimes advised.

    What lameness can look like with Lyme disease :

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    Heres The Common Symptoms:

    Police dog battling Lyme disease
    • Your dog will become lame very quickly.
    • Dog lyme disease affects the joints and causes debilitating pain. You might notice limping and notice him or her walking gingerly on the front right leg. Then you notice that your dog walking gingerly on the front left leg. Then its not the front legs anymore, but the back legs. Youre not sure what is going on. This is what the disease does. The symptoms will shift from leg to leg. It doesnt stay in one leg. This is one of the best ways to tell that it is indeed Lyme Disease.
    • If a dog has chronic pain in one leg and it doesnt rotate from one leg to another, chances are it is not Lyme disease.

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    How Likely Is It That Your Dog Will Get Lyme Disease

    The Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria found in ticks causes flu-like symptoms. Dr Raus research shows that about a third of ticks carry this bacteria species meaning that if a tick bites your dog, its only 33% likely to carry the B burgdorferi bacteria.

    If the bite is from an infected tick, then your dog may develop flu-like symptoms. He may also develop a rash at the site of infection.

    This is the first stage of Lyme disease.

    Dr Rau and other researchers estimate that only 10% to 20% of tick bites will lead to Stage 1 Lyme Disease. But if left untreated, 30% of Stage 1 cases will lead to Stage 2. This is where bacteria can infect the skin, joints, kidneys and sometimes the heart.

    So that means your dog has about a 1% to 2% chance of Stage 2 Lyme Disease the kind of Lyme disease that can make him very sick.

    Stage 3 Lyme is the chronic stage. This stage can begin months or even years after infection.

    The most common symptoms are joint and muscle pain. Only 1% of stage 2 cases of Lyme progress to Stage 3. This mirrors research done in dogs.

    Is There A Way To Prevent Lyme Disease In Dogs

    The best cure for Lyme disease in dogs is prevention!

    Keep your dog on a tick prevention medication year-round, and talk to your vet about getting your dog vaccinated against Lyme disease. It’s also a good idea to avoid walking through long grass or brushing up against shrubs and to check your dog for ticks daily.

    It’s a good idea to check your dog for ticks when you get home if you’ve been walking through areas where ticks may be present. Tick removal, on the other hand, isn’t as simple as you might think. For instructions on how to properly remove ticks from your dog, contact your veterinarian.

    Lyme disease in humans is far more severe than it is in dogs! If you go for a walk in an area with long grass or shrubs, make sure to check your skin for ticks regularly. If you find a tick attached to your skin, talk to your doctor about how to get rid of it.

    Note:The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

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    How Is Lyme Disease Treatedprevented

    Following the identification of Lyme disease, the number of reported cases surged substantially around the world however, in recent years, the number of reported cases has decreased in several states, notably in those where Lyme disease is a well-known problem . This is most likely owing to greater public knowledge of the condition, as well as the availability of effective preventative and treatment alternatives. When it comes to pet owners who reside in locations where Lyme disease is widespread, your veterinarian can provide tick-preventative medications and immunization choices that are safe and effective.

    Lyme Disease In Pets Symptoms And Treatment

    Nobivac Lyme

    Pets infected with Lyme disease may not show any signs for 2-5 months. After that time, typical symptoms include:

    Recurrent lameness also is possible, and the involved extremity may be tender. Inflammation of the joint can last from days to weeks, and may migrate from one extremity to another.

    Horses with Lyme disease can develop lameness, joint pain, neurologic disease, eye problems and dermatitis.

    Symptomatically, Lyme disease can be difficult to distinguish from anaplasmosis because the signs of the diseases are very similar, and they occur in essentially the same areas of the country. Lyme disease is diagnosed through a blood test that shows whether an animal has been exposed to the bacterium.

    Antibiotics usually provide effective treatment for Lyme disease. However, its important to follow your veterinarians advice regarding follow-up care after your pet has been diagnosed with and treated for the disease.

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