Doxycycline - here's one for you researchers out there

[Meisti]

So Max is now on Doxycycline and he's getting 200mg (about 8mg/kg) every twelve hours to aggressively treat his Rickettsia infection. If you've read about my tick woes before, you know that I have very limited vet access.

So here's my question regarding Doxycycline: Just how long do I need to administer it in order to alleviate Max's symptoms. So far I've come up with answers ranging from five days to 60 days. Most sources seem to suggests that treatment is most effective if it lasts 14 days at 5mg/kg. I have not yet found anything conclusive, though. Do any of you know?

[weimlover0816]

I googled "Doxycycline treatment duration" and came up with some very informative medical studies. I will read through them and give you the links to any links I think apply to Max...

anyone else feel free to beat me to the punch, though!!!

[Meisti]

Thank you so much - I am frightened by how he is and don't have the concentration to do much tedious reading tonight. Max's fever is down but the doxy has caused diarrhea - I am guessing the initial dose was too strong. He also has a lot of blood in his stool - which always worries me. However, that is a common reaction to antibiotics that he has displayed over the years.

[Dax]

Sorry it's been so tough on him lately. (and you for that matter) I hope the old guy is feeling better soon. My thoughts are with you two.

[weimlover0816]

Here is one piece of info I found...

Ehrlichiosis: Doxycycline*** (a semisynthetic tetracycline) at 10 mg/kg of dog's weight (2.2 pounds = 1 kg), twice per day given 12 hours apart for 6 weeks or longer. Sometimes more than one course of therapy is necessary. Doxycycline should not be given with food (milk or yogurt) or additives containing calcium because the calcium will interfere with the absorption of the antibiotic. Do not give Doxycycline on an empty stomach--so administer the medicine with food or 30-60 minutes after the dog has eaten. Wrapping the pills in piece of bread often helps alleviate the upset stomach. Another thing some owners have found helpful--if you can do it with your work schedule--is to keep the dog somewhat active for a while after giving the doxycycline--if the dogs go and just sleep right after administering the doxycycline--the medicine sits in one spot in the stomach and seems to be more irritating to the stomach lining.
***PLEASE NOTE--This dose of doxycycline is at twice the normal published therapeutic amount. Only the veterinarian caring for your dog can make the decision about what dosage to use. Have your vet contact a veterinarian familiar with treating Ehrlichiosis to discuss treatment options.

[weimlover0816]

And another:

doxycycline (10 mg/kg sid or divided bid for 10-14 days),