What is “Lepto” and why do I care about it? The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recently moved the leptospirosis vaccine from being classified as non-core to a core vaccine, meaning regardless of age, lifestyle, geographical location, time of year ALL dogs should be vaccinated for Leptospirosis. So, what is it and why does my dog need to be vaccinated?
Leptospirosis is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which dogs are exposed to by contacting dirt and water contaminated with wildlife urine. This bacteria causes significant, acute illness including fever, lethargy, acute kidney injury, jaundice, pulmonary hemorrhaging and more. If leptospirosis is detected early and treated with antibiotics, patients have an 80% chance of survival, but may struggle with long-term effects associated with irreversible organ damage. It’s important to understand that without aggressive diagnostics, treatment, and hospitalization your pet could die from this disease. This bacteria is also considered zoonotic, meaning it is possible to transmit to humans, however the risk is relatively low.
“…but Dr. Grieves, my dog only goes out to potty in our backyard and comes right back inside” – unfortunately, these are some of the most susceptible patients because of their naive vaccine status. While rodents (mice and rats) are the biggest source of spreaders, it can be spread through a variety of wildlife – deer, racoons, possums, and more and live in the soil for weeks to months.
So, what can you do to protect your canine companion? Vaccination is the #1 factor in protecting your pet from a potentially fatal infection. While it’s still possible to get leptospirosis once vaccinated, it dramatically can decrease the severity of the illness. It’s also important to decrease exposure to wildlife, have appropriate rodent control around your property, and not let your pets drink from standing water.
Sources:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.16903
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/canine-leptospirosis