limping cocker spaniel

Question
QUESTION: Last Sunday my dog started limping and was shpwing signs of pain.
I took him to the vet and they said he had tested weak positive for Lyme disease. They prescribed Doxycycline 150 mg to treat the Lyme disease and half of a 75 mg Carprofen for the pain. The first three days on the meds he was doing so much better, but now unfortunately he's in pain again. I am still giving him the Doxtcycline, but it seems the Carprofen is not effective any more. Please give me your suggestion.

ANSWER: The Doxycycline should make him feel better fairly quickly.  

What to give him depends on how bad the limp.  I'd stop the Carprofen and see if you can buy some DogGone Pain.  It's an herbal pain killer and far safer.  I'm pretty sure PetSmart carries it now.  I've used it for a leg problem and it worked like a charm.  Do start off with 1/4 tablet and if all is well, you can increase.

Is the limp bad all day or worse at some times?  If it's seriously painful I'd ask the vet for Tramadol.  It's not an NSAID but an opiate based drug so won't damage his liver.  The usual dose is 50 mg.  (Don't consider cutting the tablets - this is time release and that can be dangerous).

In the future if you want to be sure about killing ticks - use the Preventic Collar.  Have your own property professionally treated too.  On walks, keep him away from long grass & brush.
Delores




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for your suggestion. I took my dog back to the vet and they prescribed Tramadol. The pills were 50mg but were given to me already cut in half. I was told to give my dog half of a Tramadol three times per day for the next three days. My question is that my dog has been on Doxycline for 5 days now and I am not seeing much relief for his back legs. How long does it take to see relief? His two hind legs are weak and shake when he is sitting.  I will definitely try the doggone pain herbal meds.

ANSWER: Please, please call your vet and ask about cutting the Tramadol.  I cannot believe they'd do that.  Some tech may have done it.

The Doxycycline is an antibiotic and that should take care of the Lyme Disease. And make him generally feel better.  The legs being weak are a side effect of Lyme.

Personally I'd first try the Doggone Pain and I would absolutely not give cut up Tramadol.
You could also phone your Pharmacist to check this out.  And that may be the route to take.  They know far more about drugs than Doctors.

And to set your mind a bit at ease - Lyme is not as serious in dogs as it can be in people.
But it does take time.  Let him rest as much as he wants.  

Poor guy - do try the Herbal pain relief first.

Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Delores,

All your suggestions have been so helpful. Thank you so much. I just have another question. My dog has been on Doxycycline for almost two weeks, how soon after he's completed the antibiotics can I give him the Lyme disease prevention shot?

Answer
I'm hoping your pup is feeling better.

As for the Lyme vaccine - there's a lot of controversy about it.  And "usually" having had the disease itself is pretty much the same as a vaccination.  Questions are how well does the vaccine work and how dangerous is the vaccine itself.  Vets are very divided about this.

Do you live in an area where the deer tick is a big problem?  Prevention is always better than anything :)
Delores