Lyme Disease and Vaccinations

Question:

I have a 4 year old Golden Retriever who went in to get his shots.  A Lyme's disease test came back positive.  She said that he probably contracted it last fall.  She wanted him to be on antibiotics and get a vaccination.  I have done neither yet.  She said that it would never cure him.  I am wondering what I should do and if a natural approach might be more effective.  Have dogs ever completely recovered from this disease?  I see on this website a couple of products to use.  Pet Alive Immunity and Liver Support, and Pet Alive TF Defense.  Should I use these instead of the vet's approach, or do you know of something more effective?  My dog has never shown any signs that I can tell of being sick, which is why I was so shocked.  We do live on a farm and so he is outside all of the time.  Please give me some advise on how I can treat him and help him recover.  Thanks.
Michelle J.

Response:

Hello Michelle,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. In some areas where Lyme’s Disease is prevalent, many veterinarians will treat a positive animal even if the dog does not show clinical signs. Generally though, most vets do not treat a positive dog with antibiotics if it is not showing clinical signs. This is because the antibiotic does not completely clear the animal of the spirochette but only reduces the numbers enough to abolish or reduce clinical signs. A positive test shows that the dog has been exposed and has already mounted an immune response therefore vaccinating is apt to be excessive and unnecessary.  

If your dog stays healthy and has a strong immune system, he may likely never show clinical signs. Using the supplements you referred to from our web site should significantly help with this and keep the spirochette dormant. Also, I highly recommend continuing a flea and tick topical year round if your area does not have a long freeze season. If your vet feels strongly about treatment because there are many other positive dogs in your area then I strongly advise to follow her protocol. Your dog can live a normal and high quality life with a strong and healthy immune system. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA