Immune Support for Lyme Disease

Question:

My dog was recently tested by the C6 test as being highly positive for Lyme Disease, yet he has no symptoms to show otherwise. I live in a highly endemic area and the chances of him coming in contact with ticks in the future are inevitable. He is now on an antibiotic for 14 days as directed by the vet, but I also want to start him on a vitamin program in order to keep his immune system strong. I noticed your section on Lyme Disease treatment and wanted to know whether or not I should use both Immugen and Immunity and Liver Support on a daily basis to keep his immune system up.

Also, do you have any more advice regarding Lyme Disease? It seems to be a very controversial and increasingly common disease for dogs, but my vet hasn't told me much about the prognosis and future impact on dogs lives.
 
Thank you,
Meghan A.

Response:

Hello Meghan,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Lymes Disease is still in great debate with many veterinarians. Those practicing in endemic areas will vaccinate more often as well as treat a non-symptomatic positive dogs. If your vet is treating for the positive test, your dog should be on doxycycline for a long duration, at least for 30 days. Also, if you get a positive on the C6 SNAP test, a follow-up test should be done, called the Lyme Quantitative C6 Antibody Test. This has to be sent out. This will establish the baseline values you'll want to see affected by treatment, making it a useful tool for therapy and not just diagnosis.

To support your animal now that he has tested positive, using a holistic approach of a natural diet and supplementation should help strengthen his immune system against the virus. Immugen and Immunity and Liver Support are both excellent supplements to help long term in this case. Probiotics are also essential while your dog is on antibiotics to keep his digestive system healthy.

It is important to watch your dog for clinical signs such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, lameness and loss of appetite. If they appear immediate treatment should again follow. Best of luck.

Sincerely
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA