"Theo," my 10-year-old black lab and best friend, was just diagnosed and is on 600 mg of doxy/day for 6-8 weeks. Does that dosage sound right? He is 74 lbs.
He had been having trouble lifting his head for days at a time and was moping and uncomfortable, so the vet did x-rays, called it "degenerative joint disease" and sent us home with Tramadol. Over the years, he has had days of stiffness and general malaise, but we always assumed it was from "overdoing it" -- you know, chasing a bunny or a squirrel.
When Theo got all achy again within a few weeks after the DJD diagnosis and could hardly move, I asked for a lyme test. We lived in Columbia County, NY, where we took dozens of ticks off the dogs following every walk. He had the lyme vaccine about 7 years ago. I got lyme once living there (only two weeks of doxy, ugh) and again here in Florida six months ago (4 weeks of doxy and OK for now). Walking dogs in the woods is hazardous and I am trying to avoid it totally now!
So Theo's Western blot came back yesterday: "We have detected a group of immunogenic proteins with a high degree of specificity for Borrelia burgdorferi, the causal agent of Lyme borreliosis. These antigens have been acquired by the animal via a natural route (tick bite). In addition, we note banding at 31 and/or 34kDa which may be due to natural exposure or a vaccinal response. Check against vaccine history." Otherwise his CBC is normal except for high Alk Phosphatase.
He's been on the doxy for two days now, so it's too soon to see much improvement, but I am hoping, hoping...
Anyone else dealt with lyme in dogs? Could it be a false positive? Does the doxy dose sound correct for his weight? Any other meds that might give him comfort? Do you know any lyme-literate vets in Florida or nationally who might consult with my vet (who is very good, integrative)?
We recently watched "Under Our Skin" and found much info and new perspective on this horrible disease. Thank you all for just being there, because the medical community really leaves us feeling like we're on our own with this.
If you have any advice on whether I can find out if lyme is still in my body, please let me know. I really don't want another Bells Palsy or other surprises!
Meanwhile, if your dog is achy and hurting, consider asking for a lyme test.
Hugs, Joan Z in Tampa
Posts: 2 | From Tampa, FL | Registered: Aug 2011
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
I am no vet or doc, but that dose sounds really high. Most lyme docs use 400mg a day (some, 200mg), and humans weigh more than that. I would cut the dose down.
I know some people give their animals pills for joint pain instead of abx. In fact, my daughter does that for her giant cat. It works. Right after her cat eats (pill ground into cat's food), the cat has no problems going up the stairs afterwards.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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dmc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5102
posted
dogs metabolize meds differently...sometimes they require more than we humans do, sometimes less.
my 65lb lab has allergies...she was RXd 2 generic Zyrtec 2X day...yes I did check since humans only are to use 1 pill in 24 hours I was leery.
Ask your veternarian again if that is the recommended dosage of doxy.
Posts: 2675 | From ct, usa | Registered: Jan 2004
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