Treatment of Canine Lyme disease

Treatment of canine Lyme disease can begin after a diagnosis has been obtained.  In seeking a diagnosis of Lyme disease, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination and medical history study, while obtaining information concerning the dog’s risk of exposure to ticks.  Upon completion of this part of the diagnostics, a blood test can be processed to detect the presence of borrelia burgdorferi bacteria in the blood.  Other tests can be conducted to rule out conditions that may exhibit the same symptoms as Lyme disease.

Antibiotics with a tetracycline or penicillin base are usually prescribed in the treatment of Lyme disease.  Amoxicillin and doxycycline are the two most commonly prescribed antibiotics.  The pet owner should administer medication as instructed and continue even if the Lyme symptoms disappear.  If the bacterium is not completely killed, there is an increased chance of the infected dog suffering a relapse. 

Antibiotics are generally given for a 30 day period.  If the dog is exhibiting signs of pain or discomfort due to joint inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed.  Dogs suffering from acute cases of Lyme disease may require additional treatment or medication; for some this may become a life-long situation.