Lyme disease (borreliosis) is caused by the bacteria B. burgdoferi and is transmitted to your dog through the bite of a deer tick. In order for the bacteria to be transmitted, the tick must remain attached for about 48 hours, according to PetEducation.com. Symptoms include fever, swelling of joints and lymph nodes, lameness, loss of appetite and lethargy.
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Medication
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Medications used to treat dogs with Lyme disease include antibiotics that are tetracycline or penicillin based. PetEducation.com indicates that oral amoxicillin and doxycycline are the two most often used.
Dosage
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The dosage (based on the weight of your dog) is given for at least 14 days and may be administered for as long as 30 days. Environment, Health and Safety Online recommends 10 mg of doxycycline per per kg body weight once daily for 21 to 28 days. Even after 30 days of antibiotics, some dogs will relapse because the bacteria is still present.
Long-Term Outlook
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VetInfo.com indicates that the bacteria can be present in your dog's system even though he exhibits no signs of illness. Some dogs sustain chronic infections from it, but they usually respond well to doxycycline, according to PetEducation.com.
Continued Symptoms
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If your dog has continuing arthritis symptoms following an infection of Lyme disease, pain relievers may be administered.
Complications
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According to PetEducation.com, complications of Lyme disease are progressive kidney disease, which may lead to death despite treatment, and heart or nervous-system conditions.
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