07/10/2025
‼️🚨PLEASE READ‼️🚨
Please get a lepto vaccine ASAP if you are able to.
⚠️ Mikaela's Mutt Motel is issuing an urgent public health alert to our community following a confirmed case of Leptospirosis in Yeti, a dog recently adopted from Mikaela's Mutt Motel. Yeti tragically became acutely ill about a month after adoption and, despite immediate veterinary care, tested positive for Leptospirosis and was already in liver failure, necessitating humane euthanasia. Our hearts go out to Yeti's adoptive family during this incredibly difficult time.
This heartbreaking incident, coupled with conversations with several veterinarians in the Clarksville area, suggests a recent spike in Leptospirosis cases. Given the variable incubation period of this serious bacterial disease, it is possible that other dogs may have been exposed.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease that can affect both animals and humans. It is typically spread through contact with the urine of infected animals, or through contaminated water, soil, or food. Symptoms in dogs can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and can progress rapidly to severe kidney and liver failure.
Important Considerations for Pet Owners:
* Zoonotic Risk: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. In humans, it can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, lead to kidney and liver failure.
* Treatment Challenges: While symptoms can sometimes be treated if caught very early, this often involves intensive and costly medical intervention, with a low chance of survival in severe cases. There is no cure for Leptospirosis, only management of symptoms if detected early enough.
* Vaccination is Key: The Leptospirosis vaccine can provide crucial protection against this deadly disease.
To protect our foster animals and prevent further spread, Mikaela's Mutt Motel has implemented immediate and stringent protocols:
* Adoptions On Hold: All adoptions are currently paused.
* Mandatory Vaccination: We have ordered a large supply of Leptospirosis vaccinations and will be administering the initial vaccine to all current Mikaela's Mutt Motel dogs on July 12th, followed by a booster on August 2nd.
* Temporary Quarantine: All MMM dogs are under immediate quarantine. We kindly ask our fosters to keep their foster dogs strictly within their homes and yards. Please do not take your foster dog to grooming appointments, public places, dog parks, or any other outside locations unless specifically cleared by our board of directors. This is a critical measure to prevent potential exposure and spread. We anticipate releasing dogs from quarantine tentatively on August 16th, after the booster has taken full effect.
* Expanded Core Vaccinations: Leptospirosis has been added to our list of core vaccinations that every Mutt will receive prior to adoption.
* Adopter Notification: Out of an abundance of caution, we are directly notifying all adopters whose Mutts were at Mikaela's Mutt Motel during the same timeframe as Yeti.
We urge all dog owners in the City of Clarksville, TN Government or Montgomery County, Tennessee area to speak with their veterinarian about the risks of Leptospirosis and whether vaccination is appropriate for their animals. Given the recent increase in cases, proactive measures are vital.
We understand this news is alarming, but by working together, we can help protect our beloved pets and community. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate this challenging situation. We are committed to transparency and the well-being of all our Mutts and the wider community.
If you're able and willing to help us cover these unexpected costs, please consider donating:
Zelle: 931-342-2526 (Mikaela's Mutt Motel)
CashApp: $MikaelasMuttMotel
PayPal: paypal.me/muttmotel
