Is your dog at risk for this potentially fatal disease?
Leptospirosis is a worldwide disease in dogs tha
is on the rise in the past 5-10 years. The disease is caused by Leptospira bacterial organisms that are shed in the urine of wild life. Animals that are known to carry the organism are raccoons, skunks, opossums, deer, rats, and even farm animals. These animals can shed the bacteria in their urine for many weeks to months without showing signs of illness.
Leptospirosis is a threat to dogs both large and small. Traditionally, dogs considered to be most at risk have been sporting large breed dogs that go hunting and generally spend more time outdoors in wet wooded areas. However, due to urbanization and population expansion into wildlife habits, small breed dogs are increasingly being diagnosed. Leptospirosis can show up at anytime but more infections are noted after flooding or heavy rainfall.
Why should dog owners care about Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis can be fatal in dogs. Once a dog is infected with Leptospira, she or he may show vague signs of illness from lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, drinking more water, fever, weakness, and muscle pain. The disease attacks the kidneys causing acute kidney disease and sometimes liver disease as well. Left untreated, dogs can die of this awful disease. Until very recently, leptospirosis has been difficult to diagnosis because of slow test turn around times. New in-clinic testing has been developed that can give your veterinarian rapid results within 10 minutes whether your pet may be infected with this organism. Because of better testing, more pets will be diagnosed and hopefully saved from this disease.
Can Leptospirosis be prevented?
Vaccinations are available for dogs starting at 12 weeks and older. A puppy needs to have a series of 2 “Lepto” immunizations 3-4 weeks apart, then once annually to maintain peak protection. Dogs in middle Tennessee are in a higher risk area due to our thriving wildlife population and warm weather.
If you suspect your dog may have Leptospirosis, do not come in contact with their urine. Pet owners can be infected with Leptospira from contaminated pet urine. So wear gloves when cleaning up soiled areas and wash your hands well. Also, please seek veterinary care for your .
sick pet and ask if they have the Lepto in-clinic test and talk with them about your pet’s vaccine history or if a Lepto vaccine is right for your pet.
Noël Lucas, DVM
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital