Should I give my dog the leptospirosis vaccine?

Should I give my dog the leptospirosis vaccine?

Vaccination for leptospirosis is an option to consider if your dog is at high risk of contracting the disease. The American Animal Hospital Association considers Leptospirosis a “non-core” vaccine for dogs. That is, they do not recommend it unless there is a good chance your dog will be exposed to Leptospirosis.

How quickly do leptospirosis symptoms appear in dogs?

In some cases there may be bleeding. Illness typically develops quickly, sometimes in just a few days, and can be rapidly fatal. In comparison, dogs with mild infections may show little or no signs of illness and the disease may go undetected.

Is lepto common in dogs?

How common is leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is uncommon in areas where widespread vaccination of dogs is routine. Outbreaks of the disease are still seen from time to time however, because vaccines protect only against the four most prevalent serovars of Leptospira. Leptospirosis is more common in rural, wooded areas.

Where is leptospirosis most common?

Leptospirosis occurs throughout the world, but is most common in tropical areas. Travelers at highest risk are those going to areas with flooding, or who will be swimming, wading, kayaking, or rafting in contaminated fresh water like lakes and rivers.

Can dogs die from the leptospirosis vaccine?

Whilst leptospirosis can cause kidney problems and death in extreme cases, it is not recommended as a “core” vaccine to be given routinely. Owners that have opted for the L4 vaccine, which is registered for use across Europe, have reported adverse effects including epileptic fits, swollen glands and blindness.

Where is leptospirosis in dogs common?

Leptospirosis is uncommon in areas where widespread vaccination of dogs is routine. Outbreaks of the disease are still seen from time to time however, because vaccines protect only against the four most prevalent serovars of Leptospira. Leptospirosis is more common in rural, wooded areas.

Can leptospirosis in dogs be cured?

Can leptospirosis be treated? Yes. Antibiotics are usually very effective in treating leptospirosis, and most dogs respond quickly once antibiotics are started. In addition to antibiotics, dogs with severe kidney or liver damage may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid treatment and other therapy.

What is the treatment for leptospirosis in dogs?

The recommended antibiotics for dogs with leptospirosis are IV penicillin derivatives or oral doxycycline. Because clinical signs in dogs often include vomiting or decreased appetite, initial therapy should be given parenterally rather than orally (BOX 2).

What are the symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs?

The time between exposure to the bacteria and development of disease is usually 5 to 14 days, but can be as short as a few days or as long as 30 days or more.

What does leptospirosis affect in dogs?

The disease is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called leptospires that live in water or warm, wet soil. Initial signs of leptospirosis include fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Left untreated, it can develop into a more severe, life-threatening illness that affects the kidneys, liver, brain, lungs, and heart.

How is leptospirosis diagnosed in dogs?

The MAT or microscopic agglutination test detects the presence of antibodies against Leptospira in a dog's blood. If the level of antibodies (called a titer) is high enough or can be shown to be rising over time, then infection is confirmed.