Lyme Positive Dog Adoption: Your Essential Guide

Adopting a Dog with Lyme Disease

Thinking about Lyme positive dog adoption? It's completely normal to have a ton of questions and a few worries. But don't let a positive test scare you away from a wonderful companion! Our team at Petscarelab is here to walk you through everything you need to know about welcoming a dog with a Lyme history into your home.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease comes from a tiny, infected tick bite – usually from the black-legged or "deer" tick. It's caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. Your dog can pick it up if an infected tick latches on for at least 24 to 48 hours. That's why quick tick checks are so important!

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Plenty of pups carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria without ever showing a single sniffle. But for those who do get sick, here are the common signs of Lyme disease:

• Limping or 'shifting leg' lameness: This is often the first thing you'll notice. Your dog might favor one leg, then another, or seem fine one day and limping the next.
• Sore, swollen joints: The affected joints can feel warm and be painful to the touch.
• Fever: A general elevated body temperature.
• Lethargy: They'll seem tired, sluggish, and just not themselves.
• Loss of appetite: Not interested in their food bowl.

In rare cases, Lyme disease can hit harder, leading to serious issues like:

• Kidney disease (Lyme nephritis): This is serious and can even be fatal, especially for breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. Our veterinary specialists consider this the most concerning complication.
• Heart problems: Though not common, heart issues can sometimes pop up.
• Nervous system disorders: Again, rare, but neurological signs have been reported.

Diagnosing Lyme Disease in Dogs

Our vets usually pinpoint Lyme disease using a few different tools:

1. Physical exam and history: Your vet will check for symptoms and ask about your dog's adventures in tick country.
2. Blood tests:
   • Antibody tests (like the C6 ELISA): These look for antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi. A positive result means your dog was exposed to the bacteria at some point, but it doesn't automatically mean they're sick right now.
   • PCR tests: These tests hunt for the bacteria's actual genetic material, which can confirm an active infection.
3. Response to treatment: If your dog has classic Lyme symptoms and quickly perks up after starting antibiotics, that often helps confirm the diagnosis.

Just because an antibody test comes back positive doesn't mean your dog is actively sick with Lyme. Lots of healthy dogs get exposed to the bacteria and develop antibodies without ever showing any symptoms.

Is Lyme Disease in Dogs Contagious?

Good news here: Lyme disease is not contagious! You can't catch it from your dog, and your dog can't pass it to another pup. The only way to get Lyme is through the bite of an infected tick. So, don't worry about snuggling your dog – you won't get Lyme from them.

Treatment for Lyme Disease in Dogs

Treating Lyme disease usually means a course of antibiotics, often doxycycline, for three to four weeks. Most dogs bounce back quickly, showing big improvements just a few days after starting their meds.

Even after a successful treatment, your dog might still test positive for antibodies for months or even years. This doesn't mean the infection is still active; it just shows their body built up a defense.

If a dog has really severe symptoms or complications like Lyme nephritis, they'll need more intensive supportive care.

Can Lyme Disease Be Cured?

Antibiotics usually clear up Lyme disease symptoms. But sometimes, a dog might have symptoms come back, or the bacteria could hang around in some tissues even after treatment. This doesn't mean treatment failed; it simply means their immune system might not have completely wiped out every last bit of bacteria.

Our goal with treatment is always to knock out the active infection and make your dog feel better, and we usually achieve that.

Adopting a Dog That Tested Positive for Lyme Disease

So, you're looking at Lyme positive dog adoption? Fantastic! Here’s what you absolutely need to chat about with the rescue or shelter, and especially with your vet:

1. Does the dog have active symptoms?
   • If they're limping, running a fever, or seem tired right now, they'll likely need treatment. The rescue might have already started them on meds.
   • If they just have positive antibodies but no symptoms, they might not need treatment right away. Your vet can help you decide the best next steps.
2. What kind of test result came back?
   • A positive antibody test (like a C6) means exposure, but not necessarily active disease. Remember, lots of healthy dogs test positive!
   • A positive PCR test, however, points to an active infection.
3. Has the dog been treated?
   • If they were symptomatic and treated, ask about how long they were on medication and how they responded.
4. Are there any signs of kidney involvement?
   • This is the most serious complication, as we mentioned. Ask if they've had any kidney function tests (like bloodwork for BUN, creatinine, phosphorus, and urine protein tests). If kidney problems are suspected, that's a much bigger concern.
5. Long-term outlook:
   • For most dogs with Lyme, especially if caught and treated quickly, the outlook is fantastic! They usually go on to live totally normal, healthy lives.
   • But for dogs with kidney complications, the outlook isn't as good.

Loads of healthy dogs test positive for Lyme disease antibodies just because they've been exposed at some point. If the dog seems fine, acts healthy, and has normal kidney function, then adopting a dog with a positive Lyme test usually isn't a huge worry.

Costs Associated With a Dog With Lyme Disease

Here are the main costs you might see with a dog diagnosed with Lyme disease:

• Diagnosis: Blood tests (C6, PCR) and a vet exam could run you anywhere from $100-$300 or more, depending on where you live and what tests your vet recommends.
• Treatment: A round of antibiotics, like doxycycline, might cost $30-$100 or more, depending on your dog's size and how long they need meds.
• Follow-up: Some vets suggest retesting or follow-up exams, which will add to your costs.
• Managing complications: If serious problems like kidney disease pop up, the costs for ongoing treatment, special diets, and monitoring can really add up – think hundreds to thousands of dollars over time.

For most straightforward cases, the costs are pretty manageable, similar to other common dog illnesses.

Preventing Lyme Disease in Your Dog

Whether you're bringing home a dog who's had Lyme or any new pup, it's vital to prevent future tick bites and possible re-infection. Here's how to keep your dog safe:

• Tick prevention medications: Use vet-recommended tick preventatives year-round – whether they're oral pills, topical treatments, or collars.
• Daily tick checks: After every walk, especially if you've been in woods or tall grass, thoroughly check your dog for ticks. Don't forget spots like their ears, neck, armpits, and between their toes.
• Proper tick removal: If you find a tick, pull it off right away and carefully using fine-tipped tweezers. Grab the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull straight up with steady, even pressure.
• Vaccination: If you live in or travel to high-risk areas, talk to your vet about the Lyme vaccine.
• Yard care: Keep your yard neat, mow the grass regularly, and think about creating tick-safe zones around your home.

Choosing to adopt a dog with a positive Lyme test can be incredibly rewarding. With good veterinary guidance, a solid understanding of the disease, and consistent preventative care, these dogs often live long, happy, and perfectly healthy lives right by your side.