Recently Lancaster has experienced an outbreak of Leptospirosis. Our hospital alone has had many confirmed cases of Leptospirosis in the past year. Because of the increase of cases in the area we have been educating every client about Leptospirosis and recommending vaccinating on a yearly basis.
What is Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection from the Leptospira bacteria. The Leptospira bacteria can be found in soil and water. Leptospirosis is more common in areas with warm climates and heavy rainfall but it can occur anywhere. Dogs can become infected with the bacteria from drinking from rivers, lakes, streams, puddles, or any standing water; coming in contact with areas where potentially infected wildlife, farm animals, rodents, or other dogs have urinated. Even in your own backyard and outdoor boarding facilities your dog could be exposed to Leptospirosis. Dogs can become infected and develop leptospirosis if their mucous membranes or skin with any wound, cut, or scrape comes into contact with infected urine.
What are the symptoms of Leptospirosis: Some infected dogs do not show any signs of illness. Some have mild illness and recover spontaneously, while others develop severe illness and death. Lepto can cause kidney failure, liver failure, bleeding disorders, and swollen limbs. Signs of Leptospirosis may include:
Can people get Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people. Infection in people can cause flu-like symptoms and can cause liver or kidney disease.
How to prevent Leptospirosis: There is a vaccine to prevent leptospirosis and protect dogs for at least 12 months. Annual vaccination is recommended. Dogs receiving the vaccine for the first time will have the first vaccine administered, then receive a booster of the vaccine in 3-4 weeks. After the booster vaccine is administered the vaccine will then be given every 12 months.
What is Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection from the Leptospira bacteria. The Leptospira bacteria can be found in soil and water. Leptospirosis is more common in areas with warm climates and heavy rainfall but it can occur anywhere. Dogs can become infected with the bacteria from drinking from rivers, lakes, streams, puddles, or any standing water; coming in contact with areas where potentially infected wildlife, farm animals, rodents, or other dogs have urinated. Even in your own backyard and outdoor boarding facilities your dog could be exposed to Leptospirosis. Dogs can become infected and develop leptospirosis if their mucous membranes or skin with any wound, cut, or scrape comes into contact with infected urine.
What are the symptoms of Leptospirosis: Some infected dogs do not show any signs of illness. Some have mild illness and recover spontaneously, while others develop severe illness and death. Lepto can cause kidney failure, liver failure, bleeding disorders, and swollen limbs. Signs of Leptospirosis may include:
- Fever
- Shivering
- Muscle tenderness and or reluctance to move
- Increased thirst
- Changes in the frequency or amount of urination, accidents in the house
- Dehydration,
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and or lethargy
- Jaundice
Can people get Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people. Infection in people can cause flu-like symptoms and can cause liver or kidney disease.
How to prevent Leptospirosis: There is a vaccine to prevent leptospirosis and protect dogs for at least 12 months. Annual vaccination is recommended. Dogs receiving the vaccine for the first time will have the first vaccine administered, then receive a booster of the vaccine in 3-4 weeks. After the booster vaccine is administered the vaccine will then be given every 12 months.