How does leptospirosis spread

Many clients will ask if their pet really needs the “Lepto” vaccine as part of their core vaccination series. It really depends on your pet’s lifestyle but clients should be aware that this is a deadly disease that can affect both dogs and humans. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease found throughout the United States but it is more prevalent in regions with high annual rainfall and warm climates. Pets may show very non-specific symptoms such as lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, changes in urination frequency amongst many other symptoms and can develop liver or kidney failure.

According to Carsten Bandt, DVM, Dipl. ACVECC, assistant professor of Emergency and Critical care medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine “Since 2013 in Florida, we have seen a 10-fold increase in leptospirosis cases.” Pets that are outside, even in urban areas, are at risk for contracting the disease. A pet can contract it from drinking from a puddle on a sidewalk, wet grass, parks, or a pond where wildlife would urinate.

And it comes from mammalian urine so it does not have to be true wildlife to contaminate the water, it can be your regular everyday backyard visitors. Many people do not consider Leptospirosis as part of the core vaccination series but it should be considered carefully as it is deadly to pets and their owners. Lepto vaccines for dogs  offer about 6 to 8 months of protection. many veterinarian will recommend vaccinating  puppies at age 12 to 16 weeks . boosters are required.Ask your Veterinarian if your pet is at risk and should be vaccinated against this disease.

Information quoted from Veterinary Practice News August 2015 issue.

Article by Caterine Wendt, DVM