Question:
I have a 2-year-old female Australian shepherd mix named Josie. At 6 months of age, Josie was diagnosed with Lyme disease. She was placed on a high level of antibiotics and seemed to clear up. When she was about 15 months old, the symptoms returned, and a blood test showed that she was not rid of the disease. Another course of antibiotics helped. In both cases, the symptoms started at the onset of cold weather. (We live in Virginia.)Our dog is on a raw, organic diet, supplemented with Brewer's yeast, flax oil, probiotics and various additional vitamins. She looks good, and she has high energy and a beautiful coat. We are a holistic family: We believe in healing from the inside and avoid medications if at all possible.I am getting mixed messages from our vet. When the antibiotics are through, he considers her cured. He says if the symptoms return, bring her back for more antibiotics. Aren't there alternatives to antibiotics? Should we plan for a yearly episode of pain and round of medications for our young do
M.T., Middleburg, Va Dec 03, 2006
Answer:
Your dog could develop kidney disease if the Lyme disease organism triggers an auto-immune reaction in the cells of her kidneys. The sooner she is cleared of infection, the better.I would put her on a minimum of four weeks of antibiotic treatment, plus the following daily supplements: probiotics; a multivitamin supplement; and homeopathic Arsenicum, Cantharis and Thuja. Your veterinarian can advise you regarding appropriate dose and duration. I have an open mind about homeopathy, and some veterinarians report many benefits.Your dog should be treated for Lyme disease every three months after successful treatment. Antibiotic therapy should continue for two weeks after resolution of clinical signs of disease.
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