Once infected with Lymes Disease, you have the disease for life. Borrelia burgdorferi is found in the digestive track of the tick, it takes 24 - 48 hours once the tick has bitten the dog for Borrelia burgdorferi to be injected into the dog. The organism tracks through the connective tissue to the nearest joint where it resides for life. Approximately 5% of dogs show symtoms:

Symptoms
Common - Arthritis, Fever and Lameness - caused by Lipoproteins of Borrelia burgdorferi and the neutrophils drawn into the joint to fight the organism.

Rare - Nephropathy - rare, but can destroy the kidneys and cause death.

Immune system does not eliminate the disease because the organism can change its antigen coat.

Diagnosis
IDEXXSnap Test, positive test detects the C-6 peptide present in the organism coat.

Treatment
If positive, treat with Doxycycline for 28 days. The antibiotic doesn't completely eliminate the organism.

Vaccinate
Vaccine works in the tick, not the dog. Kills Borrelia burgdorferi in tick and thus prevents more live organisms from being injected into the dog.

Prevention
Start two Lyme vaccines three weeks apart - then vaccinate annually.