Leptospirosis: What dog owners need to know
293 days ago | 1662 Views | (1) Comments
Molly, a golden retriever owned by Wichitan Tom Pletcher, died last fall after contracting leptospirosis. A human remains detection dog, she was recently named 2010 Pet of the Year by the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association.
This week’s feature story is about Molly, a golden retriever who worked as a search and rescue dog and lost her life to leptospirosis (click on “DaBuzz,” above). Some veterinarians in the Wichita area say they’re seeing more cases of the disease, and are recommending that dogs be vaccinated against it. (Cats don’t get the disease.)
Dr. Kenneth Harkin of Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine recommends asking your veterinarian if he or she has seen many cases in the area where you live, and if vaccination against the disease is recommended. Many vets discontinued the vaccinations a decade or so ago because some dogs had reactions. But Harkin says vets are seeing fewer reactions from the vaccines now, especially when they’re given separately from other vaccinations.
Here’s some info from Pfizer Animal Health on how you can protect your pet from this contagious and potentially fatal disease.
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis (lepto, for short) is a bacterial disease that can be found in most animals, including livestock and wildlife (deer, raccoons, possums, skunks, rats and other rodents). The bacteria are passed via the urine into water sources, where they reside and reproduce.
Is it a problem where I live?
Lepto can be found in rural, suburban and urbanized areas. The bacteria can be present in any stagnant surface water, moist soil, and recreational water sources such as ponds or lakes. Natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes present an increased risk of exposure.
Can my dog get leptospirosis?
Dogs can become infected by drinking, swimming in or walking through contaminated water. Anytime your dog comes in contact with wildlife or their habitat, the risk of exposure increases. Lepto is a contagious disease and can be transmitted from dog to dog. Exposure risk increases during summer and early fall, and other periods of high rainfall.
Can people get lepto?
Yes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 200 human cases a year are identified in the United States. The disease is rarely fatal in humans but can cause severe illness.
How can I avoid lepto?
Vaccinate your dog. Avoid water that might be contaminated with the bacteria, especially water that is stagnant. Practice good sanitation, including washing your and your children’s hands.
What are the signs of lepto in dogs?
Flu-like symptoms are most common, including fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, depression and lethargy. If the disease has affected the liver, jaundice can also occur, marked by a yellow cast in the gums and whites of the eyes. In the most severe cases, the disease can lead to kidney or liver failure and may be fatal.
How is lepto diagnosed and treated?
Your veterinarian is the best person to diagnose and treat lepto because it can look like many other diseases. It is a challenge to diagnose quickly and may require numerous blood and urine tests.
To treat lepto, your veterinarian may recommend a combination of intravenous fluids and antibiotics, as well as other aggressive therapies.
How can I protect my dog?
Vaccination is key. Vaccines are affordable, convenient and safe. Take with your vet about which vaccine is best and how to incorporate it into your dog’s routine vaccination program.
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Peyton's mom says:
I feel so bad for Molly's owners. I was luck enough to hear about lepto and have my dogs vaccincted against this killer. Thank you dmc for getting the word out. It's so easy and affordable to stop, See your vet today.Posted 293 days ago
