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In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, welcomes Jane E. Sykes, BVSc(Hons), PhD, MPH, MBA, FNAP, DACVIM (SAIM), to discuss her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Diagnosis & Management of Dogs With Lyme Borreliosis.” Although still highly regional, Lyme disease is occurring in more places because the range of Ixodes spp ticks is expanding. Dr. Sykes explains what we should—and shouldn’t—do with a positive test, including treatment, vaccination, and the severe circumstance of Lyme nephritis.
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Key Takeaways
A small percentage of Lyme occurs in northern California due to Ixodes pacificus ticks, but Ixodes scapularis remains the primary vector, including in the Northeast (~90% of total cases) and upper Midwest.
A positive Lyme antibody test confirms exposure but does NOT diagnose disease; there must be consistent clinical illness (polyarthritis, PLN) and ideally, things like anaplasmosis or orthopedic disease should be ruled out.
The response to treatment should be quick; so if the dog isn’t clearly better after 2-3 days, doxycycline can be stopped, and you should look for another cause.
Prophylactic doxycycline (i.e., "treating the blue dot”) is not beneficial and could be harmful; whereas vaccination can prevent disease (both polyarthropathy and nephritis), including in dogs that are already seropositive.
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The Team:
Alyssa Watson, DVM - Host
Alexis Ussery - Producer & Multimedia Specialist