10/20/2023
🚨 We want to let our dog owners know that Canine Leptospirosis has recently been detected in our area. There have been confirmed cases, and we suspect there likely will be more.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can have serious consequences in dogs and can also affect humans. The bacteria thrive in warm and wet environments, especially during late summer and into fall, and they can survive for weeks to months. Periods of heavy rainfall can make it easier to spread. Many different animals can spread Leptospirosis through their urine, primarily rodents and small mammals like rats and raccoons, and even some livestock. Leptospira enters the body through ingestion, broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth). The incubation period, or the time between exposure to the organism and the appearance of symptoms, is about one week.
The bacteria spreads throughout the body and affects organs, especially liver and kidneys. Signs can range from mild to severe, and sometimes become life-threatening.
These common signs may be seen in varying degrees of severity:
👉 Fever
👉 Decreased appetite
👉 Vomiting
👉 Diarrhea
👉 Increased thirst and urination
👉 Lethargy or weakness
👉 Stiffness and soreness
👉 Dehydration
👉 Yellowing of the eyes or gums
👉 Small bleeding under the skin
👉 Redness to the eyes
👉 Rapid or difficulty breathing
If your dog is showing any of the above signs, contact your veterinary hospital right away to book an appointment.
While it can be difficult to diagnose, your veterinarian may recommend blood work, urine testing, PCR test, antibodies test, x-rays and any other tests needed to help confirm.
Vaccinate dogs annually with the Leptospirosis vaccine. After the first vaccine, your dog will need a booster in 3-4 weeks. Your dog should then receive a booster once a year. Prevention is much simpler than treatment, and your veterinarian can discuss with you if it is an appropriate vaccine for your dog’s lifestyle.
It is also a good idea to limit your dog's access to standing water, prevent rodent problems and avoid contact with wildlife.
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