Leptospirosis
• Leptospirosis (lepto) is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Leptospira.
• The disease causes serious damage to the kidney and liver, and may be fatal in severe cases.
• Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to people. Pet owners and veterinary staff should be careful when caring for an infected dog.
• Any person feeling unwell after exposure to an infected dog should seek medical attention.
• Bacteria are passed in the urine of infected animals and can survive in the environment for long periods of time in warm, stagnant water or moist soil.
• Dogs usually recover from mild infections, although the time for recovery varies.
• Severely infected dogs show signs of lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and increased thirst and urination. Some severe infections can become fatal in less than a day.
• Routine blood tests cannot give a definitive diagnosis of leptospirosis, but they can provide valuable clues and should be considered the starting point of any investigation.
• There are several tests for diagnosing leptospirosis, but the two most common ones are the DNA-PCR test and the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Infection can be diagnosed with either test, but each has weaknesses, and in some situations both tests may be needed to reach a diagnosis.
• With the number of leptospirosis cases on the rise in the United States, there is a new, improved vaccine in the market.
• Because it is a non-core vaccine in the US, you have the choice of whether or not vaccinate your dog, although the pros outweigh the cons.
• It is recommended for dogs to be vaccinated against this vicious, preventable disease, and those who are at particular risk of infection should be definitely protected against it by vaccination.
• Because lepto is a zoonotic disease, vaccinating your dog will not only protect him against the bacteria but also all your human loved ones that come in contact with your pup.
• Making sure that the dogs in your household are at very low risk of infection by this disease gives you the assurance that there is much less risk of a relative or friend getting sick, as there is no vaccine for humans. This disease, like many others, is particularly aggressive towards pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.
• You will even be protecting other animals that your four-legged friend comes in contact with (that come into contact with his/her urine) — all with a simple, safe, and recommended vaccine!
• If your dog frequently travels to areas that are humid and hot, or to places where leptospirosis presence is either confirmed or suspected, you should vaccinate them.
• One thing to consider, too, is that after traveling, it is possible to be carrying Leptospira upon return to their hometown, which could mean starting an outbreak of the disease in an otherwise lepto-free area.