I need to have my dog tested for Lyme and of course don`t trust those quick tests the vet does in his office. Am I right that the PCR is the most reliable test? Can any lab run it or should I ask them to send the urine to Igenex? Or should I rather ask them to have a Western lot done? Any input is really appreciated. Kathi
Posted by nan (Member # 63) on :
From everything I've heard here on Cape Cod, our veterinarians have been very good at diagnosing and treating lyme. The tests must be okay, though don't ask me why.
Veterinarians also know that a dog needs to be retreated if symptoms reoccur. You might want to ask how your vet feels about treatment and retreating. The following is from the avma website.
Lyme Disease What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is an infectious disease syndrome spread primarily by a tick no larger than the head of a pin. It is caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called a spirochete that is transmitted to animals and humans by the bite of the tick. In people, Lyme disease can appear similar to other diseases such as flu or Alzheimer's disease. If untreated, it can lead to joint damage and heart and neurologic complications. In animals, the disease can mimic flu-like symptoms and can lead to joint damage, heart complications and kidney problems.
What Are The Symptoms? Lyme disease is not easy to detect for there are a variety of symptoms. Clinical signs may not appear for a long period after initial infection.
Animals seldom develop the rash that commonly occurs in people with Lyme disease. The common clinical signs in animals are fever, inappetence, acute onset of lameness with no history of trauma, and arthralgia. These can develop within weeks of initial infection. Recurring lameness, lymphadenopathy, glomerulonephritis, or myocarditis can develop weeks to months later. In addition to these signs, cows and horses may have chronic weight loss, abortions, and laminitis-like signs.
How Is It Diagnosed? Diagnosis is based primarily on recognition of the typical symptoms of Lyme disease and by blood testing. It should be noted that early in the disease, the blood test can be negative even though the disease is present. Only with later disease does the test become reliably positive.
What Is The Treatment? Antibiotics -- tetracycline, penicillin and erythromycin -- have been shown to be effective in treating the disease in both animals and humans in the early stages. If detected early enough, there is almost complete relief of pain and lameness within 24 hours of initial treatment in animals. Chronic cases of the disease respond much slower and require longer periods of treatment.
Posted by lymelady (Member # 6207) on :
My lab, who is almost 13, some 5 years ago showed signs of random lameness. I had him tested for lyme (quickie test in office) and they said he did not have it.
About 7 months ago, he began to limp on his front leg and his backend was very stiff. I had him tested again and again he was negative. I had the more expensive test done (antibody test) and it was negative.
I ignored this test and gave him some of my doxy and he began to show improvement. My vet and I had an argument because she said he DID not have lyme. I felt like he probably had a horrible deep-seated case like mine which does not show up on tests unless done properly (Igenex).
I continued with the meds, which the vet said would not hurt him. Ran out at one point and had to wait to get more. He herxed the second time I put him on them (lying around, very quiet and limping on all legs).
I asked my own lyme doc to give me amoxocillin for him and he began to show improvement once again.
He will be on meds for the rest of his life (both doxy and amox). I also give him probiotics and milkthistle for detox and feed him organic dog food mixed with hamburger.
So in a nutshell, vets know next to nothing about lyme in dogs. A new case of lyme will show up on these tests, but old chronic cases will not. I think the tick bit him over his eyebrow because there was a huge scab there for ages which I finally cured with antibiotic cream. He has a big bald spot there now.
Just another experience in the dog lyme world Lymelady
Posted by Kathi (Member # 2261) on :
Thank you for your replies. I have no idea if my 6 year old Lab has Lyme or not. He is having kidney problems, is peeing protein and we need to find out why. When doing a search on the internet, Lyme popped up among other reasons. Having Lyme myself I don`t want to waste money on blood tests in incompetent labs. My vet has no clue about Lyme and I got the impression she hasn`t even got an idea on how to approach the problem with his kidneys at all. I`m going to call Igenex and when the Lyme test is out of the way I will have to see about the other things. Thanks again, Kathi.
Posted by nan (Member # 63) on :
Lyme in a dog usually shows when the dog is lame and stiff, in pain, and very quiet.
Kidney problems should be treated right away. Your vet should have lyme tests right in the office! Any other vets near you?