The number of canine leptospirosis cases has risen dramatically in recent years. Today, it is the #1 cause of acute kidney failure in dogs. It is also a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from dogs to people. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers it to be the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and bloody urine.

Several serovars (variant strains) of lepto exist, but until recently, traditional vaccines did not cross-protect against the emerging serovars. Valley View is now recommending and administering a new lepto vaccine that protects against both traditional and emerging serovars.

Who's at Risk?

Virtually every dog that ventures outdoors is at risk. Does your dog play outdoors where exposure or contact with wildlife is possible? Does your dog ever drink from ponds or puddles? Do you bring your dog along while walking, hiking, camping, picnicking, hunting, or fishing? Are skunks, possums, or raccoons found in your area? Has lepto been diagnosed in your area - either in dogs or people?

Take steps now to protect your pet. Remove food, garbage, or nesting materials from your yard that may attract wildlife. Discourage your dog from drinking from ponds or puddles. And, most importantly, call Valley View at (952) 432-9661 to schedule an appointment for your dog's lepto vaccination.

Reminders

To receive an e-mail reminder when your puppy or dog is due for its leptospirosis vaccine, please send us your address.

Sources

Carole Bolin "Leptospirosis posing new threat for canine hepatic, renal disease." DVM In Focus, June 2002

Carole Bolin "Diagnosis of Leptospirosis: A reemerging Disease of Companion Animals." Seminars in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (Small Animal), Vol. 11, No. 3, August 1996

Fort Dodge Animal Health