Lyme disease is a bacteria contracted by dogs from ticks. Early symptoms include lameness and loss of appetite. It is treated with antibiotics and most dogs recover completely.

Typical costs:

Antibiotics typically used to treat Lyme disease are tetracycline and amoxicillin. Depending on the dog's size and the length of treatment, costs range from $4 to $98.
Treating a 25-pound dog for two weeks -- considered a light treatment course -- costs between $4 and $17. Treating the same size dog with a more severe case for one month costs between $8 and $38. Treating a 100-pound dog for two weeks costs between $7 and $36. Treating the same size dog for one month costs between $17 and $98. The price varies not only by the dog's size and the length of treatment but also what antibiotic is prescribed and how much the provider charges for it.

What should be included:

Lyme disease is contracted mainly through the deer tick. Found in woodsy areas most commonly in the Northeastern United States, a tick first contracts Lyme disease from a host, often from a small mammal when the tick is young. When the tick attaches itself to a new host it will transmit the disease if it's attached for 48 hours or more. Only 10 percent of dogs exposed to Lyme disease contract it.
PetEducation.com provides a descriptive overview of the disease.
While vaccines for Lyme disease are available, their usefulness is disputed. Most experts agree that in an area with a high epidemic rate, such as the northeastern U.S., it's best to administer a vaccine.

Additional costs:

Since Lyme disease is contracted through a tick bite, the dog may have ticks. There are many oral and topical treatments available to get rid of ticks, ranging in price from a flea and tick shampoo for $7 to the Frontline Combo Pack, which comes with a 3-month supply of tick prevention, a flea comb, and tweezers for tick removal for just under $50.
If the dog is indoors often, consider an indoor or upholstery tick treatment. Foggers cost about $10 to $15.
Many veterinary sites suggest using a monthly tick preventative, since preventing ticks will also prevent Lyme disease. Prices range from $21 for a year's worth of flea and tick collars to $200 or more for a year's supply of pills. See How Much Does Dog Flea Control Cost for a more thorough look at prevention; most of these products also prevent ticks. Also, PetEducation.com has a breakdown of tick removal products.

Shopping for lyme disease treatment for dogs:

To find a veterinarian to diagnose, obtain a prescription treatment, or for follow up, visit the American Veterinary Medicine Association's vet finder.
Note: Cats and humans can also contract Lyme disease. However, neither can contract Lyme disease from a dog. Any animal that has Lyme disease will have contracted it from a tick. Cats will have the same symptoms as dogs, and will be treated the same. A person should seek medical attention if they have symptoms such as a rash or joint pain and think the cause could be Lyme disease.

Article updated February 2010