Safety

• Like most vaccines, the Lyme disease vaccine, Recombinant Ospa, is not risk-free. It is an injection that can cause an untreatable form of Lyme disease in the canine. While it provides short-term safety after administration, some veterinarians, such as Dr. Bob Rogers with the Critter Fixer Pet Hospital in Spring, Texas, have deemed it unsafe and irresponsible to administer and do not offer the vaccine. In 2005, the American College Of Veterinary Internal Medicine stated, "The ACVIM diplomates believe the use of Lyme vaccines still is controversial and most do not administer them."
  
  

Protection

• The vaccine will protect the dog for a short period of time, which is greatly determined by the dog's own immune system. While the vaccine protects the dog from Lyme disease, ticks can carry other rare diseases for which there is no vaccine or prevention method.
  
  

Necessity

• Lyme disease is treatable in canines once the dog is infected. Arguably, risking a treatable disease is safer than the dangers that are associated with the vaccine. According to Dr. Ron Hines DVM, less than half of dogs infected with Lyme disease require any treatment at all. When treatment is required, a mixture between veterinary care in the form of antibiotics and holistic healing from home can remedy the canine of its ailment.
  
  

Cost

• The price of the vaccine varies by location and veterinarian, averaging at $150. The vaccine must be administered in-office by your veterinarian.
  
  

Warning

• If you suspect your dog has Lyme disease or any other serious illness, you should consult your veterinarian.