07/01/2025
Dr. Stephen just answered a couple of questions about Leptospirosis in a group. Here his answers: In theory any mammal can catch it but its not really recognised as causing diseases in cats. The vaccine is only for use in dogs and I have never seen a cat get sick with it. People can definately catch and it and it can be very nasty.
Lepto signs can be quite variable and while some can have bloody diarrhoea (like parvo) not all dogs do - usually Lepto has signs associated with the liver and kidney failure. They can be jaundiced (yellow colouring of the gums etc) and often have a limp a few days before getting sick.
In the NT rats and pigs are the most common but possums and other native animals can also carry it.
Your dog can catch Lepto from exposure to the urine of infected animals - it can survive in the envrironment if it doesnt dry out - which is every where in the wet season
It is a risk everywhere - most of the infected dogs I have seen have come from Durack lakes, but is usually more of a risk in areas with more infected animals (like flood plains) The new Lepto vaccine is out now and readily available. I would definately reccomend it. The previous vaccine had some adverse reactions and was recalled and ceased production - the previous vaccine was quite stingy and often created a lump at the injection site - the new vaccine is totally different and is very safe. I have vaccinated all my dogs with it as well as a lot of others and haven't seen any side effects - it doesn't even sting!
