What does a Positive Lyme Disease Test Signify for a Dog?
Many dogs which test positive for Lyme disease on any of these tests never actually show symptoms of Lyme disease. It is estimated that as many as 90-95% of dogs testing positive for Lyme disease remain asymptomatic. A Lyme disease test in an individual dog can remain positive for long periods of time, often for months or even years. A positive Lyme disease test does indicate that ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease have fed on the dog, which also indicates that there is the possibility of transmission of other tick-borne diseases which may adversely affect the dog’s health. Lyme disease testing in dogs is also frequently used as an indicator of the potential for disease in the human population in the area. Therefore, testing for canine Lyme disease can serve as a sentinel for human Lyme disease infection. How Should a Dog Testing Positive for Lyme Disease be Treated? Dogs which are showing symptoms consistent with Lyme disease should be treated with antibiotics and most dogs re
