We all LOVE our pets and give them a central role in our lives. It seldom enters our thoughts that their health could directly affect the health of our family. But this is indeed very true!!
Recently, major national television networks have reported a national trend in pet owners canceling or missing appointments with their veterinarians for their pet's yearly vaccinations - in order to save money. Skipping vaccinations when they are due can put our pets at risk for serious, life-threatening diseases and in the long run, cost even more!
Leptospirosis is one of these serious diseases and is being diagnosed with increasing frequency in southeastern Wisconsin. We have had 3 confirmed cases in dogs at the Animal Emergency Center and Specialty Services since the first of the year. Not only does leptospirosis present a health risk to the infected dog, but is also a health risk to the human family and other dogs in the household.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease that is caused by several strains (serotypes) of a bacterium called Leptospira. Affected dogs can be carriers without symptoms or suffer illnesses ranging from mild (depression, anorexia, fever) to severe (kidney failure, liver failure, diffuse vasculitis, death).
How is it spread?
Many species of wild and domestic animals (including dogs, cattle, horses, swine, rodents, swine, raccoons, and deer) are susceptible to leptospirosis and can excrete the bacteria in their urine. Their urine can then contaminate water, moist soil, or vegetation with the Leptospira bacterium. The bacterium stays viable in the soil as long as the soil is moist. Humans can acquire the infection if this contaminated material or urine from their pet contacts abraded skin, mucous membranes, or is ingested.
Vaccination for Dogs
There is a good vaccination available for dogs against at least 4 of the 6 serotypes of Leptospira. Dr. Richard Goldstein, an expert in infectious diseases from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends that the Fort Dodge or Pfizer vaccination (containing 4 serotypes of the bacteria) be given yearly. He recommends that dogs be vaccinated in the spring so that their immunity is highest in the fall when exposure is most likely the greatest.
Leptospirosis in Cats
Although cats develop antibodies after exposure, they appear to be less susceptible than dogs to both spontaneous and experimental infection with Leptospira. Clinical signs are usually mild or not apparent. Vaccinations for leptospirosis are not available for the cat at this time.
Talk to your primary care veterinarian about vaccinating against leptospirosis !!!
Recently, major national television networks have reported a national trend in pet owners canceling or missing appointments with their veterinarians for their pet's yearly vaccinations - in order to save money. Skipping vaccinations when they are due can put our pets at risk for serious, life-threatening diseases and in the long run, cost even more!
Leptospirosis is one of these serious diseases and is being diagnosed with increasing frequency in southeastern Wisconsin. We have had 3 confirmed cases in dogs at the Animal Emergency Center and Specialty Services since the first of the year. Not only does leptospirosis present a health risk to the infected dog, but is also a health risk to the human family and other dogs in the household.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease that is caused by several strains (serotypes) of a bacterium called Leptospira. Affected dogs can be carriers without symptoms or suffer illnesses ranging from mild (depression, anorexia, fever) to severe (kidney failure, liver failure, diffuse vasculitis, death).
How is it spread?
Many species of wild and domestic animals (including dogs, cattle, horses, swine, rodents, swine, raccoons, and deer) are susceptible to leptospirosis and can excrete the bacteria in their urine. Their urine can then contaminate water, moist soil, or vegetation with the Leptospira bacterium. The bacterium stays viable in the soil as long as the soil is moist. Humans can acquire the infection if this contaminated material or urine from their pet contacts abraded skin, mucous membranes, or is ingested.
Vaccination for Dogs
There is a good vaccination available for dogs against at least 4 of the 6 serotypes of Leptospira. Dr. Richard Goldstein, an expert in infectious diseases from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends that the Fort Dodge or Pfizer vaccination (containing 4 serotypes of the bacteria) be given yearly. He recommends that dogs be vaccinated in the spring so that their immunity is highest in the fall when exposure is most likely the greatest.
Leptospirosis in Cats
Although cats develop antibodies after exposure, they appear to be less susceptible than dogs to both spontaneous and experimental infection with Leptospira. Clinical signs are usually mild or not apparent. Vaccinations for leptospirosis are not available for the cat at this time.
Talk to your primary care veterinarian about vaccinating against leptospirosis !!!
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