[cookieface]

For those living in high risk areas, do you give the Lyme vaccine?

Our vet and my husband have been pushing it, but I'm not convinced. We're in a high risk area and the vet explained that the newer version is much less likely to cause side effects than the original vaccine. On the other hand, the vaccine doesn't protect against other tick-borne diseases and the vet mentioned that he's diagnosed Lyme in vaccinated dogs.

We use a flea & tick preventative regularly, but still find ticks on her. Keeping her out of tall grass, ground cover, and brush is impossible.

It's so hard to know what to do. Some days I just don't want to think so much.

 

[Abbylynn]

I know what you mean. I feel like the yearly vaccines are over kill ... and now I got a notice in the mail about the Lyme Vaccine also. They say it is now a major concern in Ohio in this area. I live in the woods. Blu Boy goes for his annuals in a couple of weeks ... and I refuse to give my dogs the Lyme vaccine.

http://www.vetinfo.com/canine-lyme-disease-vaccine-side-effects.html

 

[PrincessLPN]

I adopted a dog who tested positive for lyme disease. He went through the series of antibiotics but still suffered with the effects. He was euthanized earlier this year at the age of 9. He suffered from lameness brought on by the lyme disease. When we adopted Odin we made sure to vaccinate him. I don't want to ever experience that again. I do understand being cautious about over vaccinating though and I think everyone should do what is right for them, their children, and their pets.

 

[Loki Love]

I understand what you're going through.. we also liv ein a high risk area and we chose not to vaccinate (or even treat) for ticks - we went the all natural route. Then Loki got a tick! That changed everything - we went to the vet, he was then vaccinated and is now being treated with a topical every month. Livia is also being treated with a topical (but no vaccine).

 

[RoughCollie]

We live in a high-risk area. Aidan was vaccinated against Lyme disease, and he has it anyway. Two weeks after symptoms (limping, pain) appeared, he received another vaccination (first of a series of two) because the vet said he can get it again even though he has it now and is being treated for it.

I hope it protects him this time.

 

[Fade]

WE have had a 500% increase in lymes disease cases in our clinic this year. it is a really big threat right now in our area. no joke. We have had all sorts of lifestyle dogs come up with it this year. one dog picked it up from escaping his yard for a night. a Japanese chin picked it up who rarely leaves his house only to go to the bathroom who was vaccinated got it. we have had all sorts get it. This said I have not vaccinated my dogs for it. mainly because their lifestyle is low risk. however if i were to take them and put them into a higher risk situation i would def vaccinate them for it. 70% protection is better then non. if dogs who have immunity to it are getting it that is scary 0.o

 

[kafkabeetle]

I had Lyme disease once when I was kid living in New Jersey in a forested area. At the time I just got antibiotics and it was like no biggie. Not that long ago I watched a documentary on all sorts of physical/neurological issues it can cause and it's really scary. To my knowledge, I suffered no residual ill effects...

 

[zhaor]

Reading some of the possible side affects of the Lyme vaccination would make me hesitant too, especially since Lyme can be mostly avoided by removing the tick within 36-48hrs.

I've never had ticks on my dog so idk how easy it is to find them? Is it difficult to remove them within the first 36 hours if you check for them regularly?

I'm just glad that in Colorado, I don't have to worry about any of that. We don't even need flea preventatives.

 

[cookieface]

Thanks for all the comments. I've been trying to do more research, but it's not always clear which version of the vaccine the articles are referencing. A few people I know don't vaccinate, but have bi-annual testing. Katie is at the vet enough that we could just add regular testing to the schedule.

 

[3doglady]

Cookieface, I know what you're going through. It's not easy finding the data you need to help make this decision. In addition to the normal side affects, there are certain breeds that are more likely to encounter more serious side effects, especially with the older vaccines. For years there was a big debate at Cornell and Penn regarding this vaccine. Over the years, the effecy has improved quite a bit, while the side effects are much lower.

I researched for about 18 months and spoke with 6 different vets before I made the decision to go ahead with it. It did not help that at the time, my friend's lab had just passed at the age of 2 from renal failure, brought on (they believe), by Lyme. He was vaccinated, but did not use a preventative. The last vet I spoke with was one that was not a big advocate of vaccines. She was in favor of the newer vaccine being used for dogs in our area. We still use preventative and we do get an bi-annual test.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[RoughCollie]

Regarding ticks, Aidan has very short hair (almost none b/c I can't seem to get the hang of clipping him). I check him for ticks at least once a day, and I never found one. He's also on Frontline Plus, which should have killed any ticks. I put that on him every month, and he hasn't missed a dose. It is very frustrating.