What is Leptospirosis, and should I vaccinate my dog for it?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that effects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of Leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomitting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a rash. If the disease is not treated, the patient could develop kidney damage meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, and respiratory distress. In rare cases death occurs. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Leptospirosis is confirmed by laboratory testing of a blood or urine sample. Outbreaks of Leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Many different kinds of animals carry the bacterium; they become sick but sometimes have no symptoms. Leptospira or
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects animals and humans. It is most commonly found in tropical or temperate climates, but due to the heat and high humidity levels, lepto is found in our area occasionally. Our pets can be exposed to lepto by contact with contaminated urine from rodents. This disease is rare in cats, although it can affect all mammals. Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, diarrhea, renal failure and possibly death. If your dog’s environment includes raccoons, opossums, squirrels and other wildlife, it is highly recommended to vaccinate.
