Treating Canine Lyme Disease with Lymevax

Canine Lyme disease is an illness caused by bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. Dogs contract Lyme disease from infected ticks that latch on to the body for nearly 48 hours. Adult ticks that are killed soon after latching on to the pet aren't capable of transmitting the infection to the dog. Since some neighborhoods have tick infestations, pet owners should take precautions to protect pets from tick bites. There are several treatment options to cure pets suffering from Lyme disease. However, it's best to notice any unusual symptoms and seek prompt medical help.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease Include:

  • Lameness in the legs
  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Fever and depression

Diagnosis and Treatment of Canine Lyme disease

The vet will perform a thorough physical examination of the dog and consider the pet's previous risk of exposure to ticks and disease. After careful evaluation of the clinical symptoms present, the vet will conduct an antibody test to determine the presence of antibodies with response to the bacteria. Antibody tests may not confirm the presence of actual bacterial infection, as the pet's immune system may have produced antibodies due to previous exposure to the bacteria. The diagnosis is made after taking into account the clinical symptoms, antibody test results and previous tick infections. In order to determine if the pet is really suffering from Lyme disease, the vet will initiate a prescribed course of antibiotic medication. Dogs suffering from Lyme disease respond favorably within 2 days of medication.

Medications Prescribed for Lyme disease

Pets suffering from Lyme disease are treated with antibiotics or penicillin drugs that fight susceptible strains of bacteria. Pet owners should administer medication according to vet instructions and shouldn't discontinue the drug, even if the pet appears normal. Although antibiotics are used to treat Lyme disease, there are several vaccines available to keep the infection at bay. Since dogs infected with Lyme disease experience discomfort and pain, it's best to talk with your vet about Lymevax or other vaccines that may be suited to your pet.

Lymevax for Dogs

Lymevax is a vaccine that should be administered to pets 9 weeks of age or older. The vaccine is safe for use on pets with no underlying health concerns, as it contains a killed vaccine. The general dosage of the vaccine is 1 ml administered subcutaneously using an aseptic technique. Pets require a second dose 2 weeks after the initial vaccination. In addition, it's best to revaccinate the pet annually.
 

Comments