Chloe has Lymes Disease

[take4roll10]

Also...has anyone used anything to boost the immune system. I currently have her on Vibrant Pets (Show dog). But maybe there is something else I can do to boost her immunity so that her body can get rid of this bug.

Danielle

I have read that vitamin C is a good immune system booster for dogs.... but of course like everything with dogs, there's also negative research on vitamin C, but you might want to look into it.

Vitamin C: This vitamin in moderate doses may be beneficial in several ways. It helps maintain the immune system and helps dogs fight off infections, especially viral.

Vitamin C is also helpful in maintaining the skin; Moderate doses are approximately 250 mg to 500mg twice daily for the average dog. It is not necessary to give mega-doses of this vitamin. Vitamins C and D work together in a dog to make collagen (a substance that strengthens the tendons and ligaments) and all dogs need vitamin C, just not from a dietary source.
Source:http://www.vitamins-nutrition.org/vitamins/vitamins-dog.html

 

[Ann]

We've had this experience with Barkley, who has been treated with doxy for Lyme for the last three summers. Last summer was the worst...he took one round of doxy for a month, and then we had to give him another six weeks because he relapsed. That seemed to do the trick.

This year I got him right on the meds when I saw him getting less energetic with just a slight limp. It took longer than usual for the limp to go away this year, and it did seem to me that he was a bit gimpy again even after he finished the meds for a week or so. Fortunately, that seems to have gone away. I had my fingers poised over the phone to call for more doxycyclene if I had to.

I did switch Barkley from the Vibrant Pets Show Dog to the VP Joint/Muscle after this summer's round, just in case it might make a difference. Since he always manifests with lameness he's been taking a glucosamine/condritin supplement since he was six months old (he's 4 now) but having heard that the VP formula helps with Lyme I figured it was worth a try. So far, so good. You might try switching Chloe to that formula. I would definitely have her on a joint supplement of some kind...it does seem to make a difference in the Lyme symptoms and my vet recommended it too.

Good luck! I hope she's OK soon!

 

[dawns2shelties]

Danielle
I'm sorry Chloe isn't feeling 100% yet. I have no experience at all with Lyme disease.
I did speak with Lee at Vibrant Pets and after talking to him about Gypsy and Chandler being sick he recommended the Athletic Formula for Gypsy and Chandler because it has the most vitamins out of all of the formulas. I didn't receive it yet something was going on with their site that day because my order wouldn't go through so I can't tell you how it is.

 

[danisgoat]

Thanks everyone for your advice.

Chloe seems fine today. I am going to give her some cosequin for now along with the VP that I have. Then when this VP that I have is done, I will switch over to the joint health one.

My plan is just to take her back and get bloodwork run on her once my vet gets back. I think he will be around next week. The bloodwork will give me a better idea on her Titers, as well as to make sure that her kidney and liver functions are OK. My biggest fear is that the 8 weeks of antibiotics will be causing other problems.

If she does start to get stiff again, and her bloodwork shows that the Lyme is still there, I will definitely ask my vet about starting a different type of antibiotic (she's been on doxy).

I started some research on natural remedies for Lymes Disease, as well. I was thinking of doing something natural in conjunction with her current conventional treatment just to give her body a boost. Unfortunately, the antibiotics (although needed) does break down the bodies immune system, and I want to build that back up on her, so she can fight this off.

Anyone else have any other ideas for me....I will definitely take them.

Thanks so much
danielle

 

[danisgoat]

Chloe went to agility class last night and did great. She had a ton of energy, and was so happy to be there.

This morning I took her on a jog. I only jogged 1 mile and walked 2 miles with her. She did great and looks great and was very happy to be back to exercising.

I am wondering if she was just stiff from laying on her leg the wrong way or something.

I will continue to keep an eye on her. My vet comes back from Grenada on Saturday...so he should be back in action next week.

Wed Aug 25th starts our County 4-H fair and Chloe is in shows everyday Wed. through Sunday. Hopefully she feels well enough to compete. Next week will definitely be the back breaker, in terms of finding out how well she is actually doing. Of coarse...if she doesn't seem well, I will pull her from the shows.

 

[danisgoat]

I have read that vitamin C is a good immune system booster for dogs.... but of course like everything with dogs, there's also negative research on vitamin C, but you might want to look into it.

I heard this as well. I think my mom gives her dogs Vitamin C. I will check on it. Thanks.

 

[take4roll10]

Chloe went to agility class last night and did great. She had a ton of energy, and was so happy to be there.

This morning I took her on a jog. I only jogged 1 mile and walked 2 miles with her. She did great and looks great and was very happy to be back to exercising.

I am wondering if she was just stiff from laying on her leg the wrong way or something.

I will continue to keep an eye on her. My vet comes back from Grenada on Saturday...so he should be back in action next week.

Wed Aug 25th starts our County 4-H fair and Chloe is in shows everyday Wed. through Sunday. Hopefully she feels well enough to compete. Next week will definitely be the back breaker, in terms of finding out how well she is actually doing. Of coarse...if she doesn't seem well, I will pull her from the shows.

That's wonderful! I'm glad Chloe appears to back to her normal self. Good luck at the 4-H fair!

I heard this as well. I think my mom gives her dogs Vitamin C. I will check on it. Thanks.

Bailey takes it to prevent UTI's. She takes 250mg a day. She has done very well on it.

 

[Ann]

I started some research on natural remedies for Lymes Disease, as well. I was thinking of doing something natural in conjunction with her current conventional treatment just to give her body a boost. Unfortunately, the antibiotics (although needed) does break down the bodies immune system, and I want to build that back up on her, so she can fight this off.

Anyone else have any other ideas for me....I will definitely take them.

Thanks so much
danielle

I am forever saying this, but it bears repeating: MILK THISTLE! It's the best homeopathic there is for any dog taking an antibiotic. I give it to Pixie daily since she took strong antibiotics for so long as a small puppy, but the other dogs get it during and at least a month past taking any antibiotic regimen. It protects the liver and kidneys from antibiotic damage, and does a wealth of other things for the body as well.

You can find it in the drugstore, but I prefer the canine variety. You can order it from SmartPack Canine, or at this link online: The Carefree Pet,
http://www.carefreepet.com/dog_care.html
Just put "milk thistle" in the search box on the home page and it will come up. 100 capsules and you give one a day...lasts a long time for $31.

 

[danisgoat]

I am forever saying this, but it bears repeating: MILK THISTLE! It's the best homeopathic there is for any dog taking an antibiotic. I give it to Pixie daily since she took strong antibiotics for so long as a small puppy, but the other dogs get it during and at least a month past taking any antibiotic regimen. It protects the liver and kidneys from antibiotic damage, and does a wealth of other things for the body as well.

You can find it in the drugstore, but I prefer the canine variety. You can order it from SmartPack Canine, or at this link online: The Carefree Pet,
http://www.carefreepet.com/dog_care.html
Just put "milk thistle" in the search box on the home page and it will come up. 100 capsules and you give one a day...lasts a long time for $31.

Thanks Ann! This is just what I was looking for.

I appreciate this. I was just reading a bunch of stuff yesterday regarding milk thistle. I will definitely start Chloe on this.

Danielle

 

[danisgoat]

I just made an appointment for a chiropractor for Chloe. The appointment is next Friday morning, August 27th. I just want to get her "back end" looked at.