Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection resulting from contact with infected wildlife, urine from infected dogs or contaminated water or food. Twenty and thirty years ago, this was primarily a rural disease and often associated with cattle. Unfortunately, the two strains (or serovars) that used to cause most of the Leptospirosis in pet dogs have been surpassed by two additional strains which are now causing the majority of disease in dogs. Furthermore, these two new strains (serovars) seem to be flourishing in suburban and urban environments and are increasing in prevalence nationwide.
Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough counties have joined the ranks of Florida counties with confirmed cases of Leptospirosis in pet dogs. A vaccine to help protect against these four pathogenic strains is finally available from a reputable vaccine manufacturer (Pfizer). Two additional strains or serovars are currently being studied to determine if they are also contributing to the recent increases in cases of Leptospirosis in pet dogs.
Most dogs in populated areas become infected from drinking contaminated water or coming in contact with contaminated urine. This water (puddles, ponds, outdoor water bowls, creeks) may become contaminated by infected carriers such as raccoons, opossums, citrus rats and other rodents.
The Leptospira bacteria can live in the water for months.
Leptospira bacteria infect the kidneys and liver, causing fever, anorexia, depression and generalized pain initially. Diagnosis is complicated by the fact that the early signs of Leptospirosis are vague and nonspecific. Most animals will progress to acute kidney failure and mortality rates in untreated, unvaccinated dogs may vary from 10% to 75%, depending on the serovar involved.
Vaccination will not only help prevent the disease, but will also reduce the symptoms and prevent shedding of the bacteria should a breakthrough occur. Two vaccinations are given 3 weeks apart and then followed by an annual booster.
Leptospirosis is also contagious to humans (although uncommon) and this further adds to our concern with this reemerging disease. It is also a potentially life threatening disease in humans, again primarily by causing kidney damage. The mortality rate in humans with the kidney and liver form is about 10%.
There currently is no vaccination for humans.
Given the current increase in prevalence of the emerging strains of Leptospira bacteria, we are recommending this vaccine for all our canine patients over the age of 10-11 weeks.
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