When to test for Lyme's

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I pulled a small tick from above Samantha's eye last week and Monday a big one from Charli's ear. Guess they both stuck their heads in the wrong place at the same time. They have both been on their monthly preventatives - so much for that but I guess they might have had more if they didn't have it. Who knows.

I will have them both tested for Lyme's since the vaccine is not 100% effective. I haven't called the vet yet but wanted input from my DK family before I do. How long has your vet suggested to wait between tick removal and being tested for the best 'sure' results? I would hate a false negative if I didn't wait long enough.

thanks!

[F, Calla & Luca]

My two have had attached ticks already this year. I just found a tiny one crawling on Luca. I don't test for Lyme since it would be a full time job but if I saw any problems I would. I do test myself once a year, in the fall, since I don't get the vaccine : ) It supposedly takes at the very least 24 hours after the tick attaches to transmit the disease.  And from the time of the bite to positive testing is 6 weeks. And it's not all so straightforward either.

http://www.morristown.com/LymesDiseaseNJ/DiagnosisandTesting.html

[Nugget's Family]

Totally agree with this reply.  Testing would be a full-time job here, too.  I take at least 3-4 ticks off of Nugget every week during the "high" season (which with this warm weather seems to be year-round).  We use Frontline-Plus so the ticks die once they bite which means they are not attached for 24 hours.  When I take the ticks off, they are dead already.  Gross, but at least the Frontline is effective and the little buggers don't travel to Nugget's humans! :-)

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

Between myself, my husband and the three dogs we would have to camp out at the vets if we were tested every time we find a tick.  I do try to remember to write down the date of pulling off a tick in case symptoms should arise.  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

My Vet only runs a tick blood panel if the dog has some other symptoms.