My mom’s dog may have Lyme and I was curious if anyone has dealt with this. He’s been to the vet and is on meds, etc, but I was just curious what you have used to treat and/or done to deal with it and make him more comfy. Thanks!
My dog had it twice. The first time we tested for it, but started the antibiotics before the results came back. Second time just a diagnosis based on symptoms because a positive test would have happened due to previous infection. Both times, she felt better within a day of receiving treatment and completely better within about 3 days. No long-term effects that we know of.
Lymes is ubiquitous in this area, so I’m sure you’ll get a lot of stories. I hope your dog is okay.
My whole family including dogs had Lyme and it went undiagnosed for a long period of time (which will change the treatment plan). Minimum of 6 weeks of doxy, maybe at a higher dose than a lot of vets use. My 25 lb cocker was given 200 mg doxy in divided doses, the 80 lb collie, 400 mg in divided doses.
Thanks guys. He went to the vet yesterday and seemed to already feel better yesterday evening but we weren’t sure if he’s really that much better or if it was just the pain meds. The vet gave him an antibiotic shot, a pain shot, and he’s on pill antibiotics but not sure what dose.
Please keep fingers crossed for him: my mom does not need to lose her dog right now.
Lyme isn’t fatal. The dog should immediately feel better after starting the antibiotics and that will be that.
[QUOTE=wendy;5755931]
Lyme isn’t fatal. The dog should immediately feel better after starting the antibiotics and that will be that.[/QUOTE]
Actually, that’s not completely true…in humans or dogs. In humans, it can cause heart problems and heart block, in dogs it can (rarely) cause canine nephritis which can be fatal. My cocker had lyme nephritis, but thankfully survived.
I’m glad a fast turnaround is normal, then. The vet just didn’t sound too hopeful yesterday is why I was so worried about losing him. Apparently he was a pretty sick little boy.
I had a bad experience with lyme years ago with my corgi who eventually died from it. It started typically in one joint of his hind leg and then progressed. We treated and then he was ok for a number of yrs. Then he suddenly was running 105 temps and was very sick. Vets did not believe me that it was lymes but when I insisted on them treating him via iv and he made a rapid recovery they decided to take note. This was yrs ago when lyme first raised it’s ugly head and they have made more advances in treatment. My guy eventually had to be pts due to every little stress bringing on a new bout of lyme. Good luck.
And NO steriods, unless it’s a life threatening situation, then be prepared to retreat.
Lyme most certainly can be fatal. Ask any poor dog owner who’s pet has had the very often fatal kindney compllications (lyme’s nephriitis). Not all dogs who have lyme’s get this, but for those who do, it can be extremely problematic. Make sure you give the complete course of treatment, do the follow up blood tests, and if the blood work indicates it, you may need to do another round of treatment. Your vet is the best person to guide you through it. Some dogs also need help with their stomachs while on doxy. Some vets use pepcid, others another stomach soother. If you dog goes off his food, etc, seek out your vet for proper drugs and dosage if this should happen.
