My Pet Tested Positive for Lyme Disease—Now What?

Lyme Disease in Dogs – Veterinarian Fargo ND – Tick-Borne Illness in Pets

Lyme disease is a common concern for pets in the Fargo-Moorhead area, and a positive test result can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—your veterinary team at Two Rivers Vet Hospital is here to guide you through the next steps.

When your pet tests positive for Lyme disease, we follow up with a specialized blood test called the C6 antibody test, offered through IDEXX Laboratories. This test measures the level of antibodies against the Lyme-causing bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. A high C6 value typically indicates an active infection, and in these cases, we recommend starting treatment right away.

Treatment usually involves a 30-day course of the antibiotic doxycycline. It’s important to give this medication with food to help avoid gastrointestinal upset. Antibiotic therapy is essential to help your pet’s immune system clear the infection and reduce the risk of long-term complications—particularly kidney and joint damage, which Lyme disease can cause if left untreated.

To monitor your pet’s response to treatment, we will recheck antibody levels at the end of treatment and again 6 months later. This helps ensure that your pet is recovering well and that the infection is no longer active.

Because Lyme disease is so prevalent in our region, we recommend year-round flea and tick prevention, such as Simparica Trio, for both dogs and cats. Regular tick checks and annual screening tests are also crucial to catch infections early and protect your pet’s long-term health.

Have questions about Lyme disease or your pet’s test results? Call us today—we’re happy to help.