What to Know About Lepto Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that, until recently, was rarely diagnosed in Colorado dogs. Over the past five years, this has changed dramatically. A Colorado State University Diagnostics Laboratory report has shown that 10-22% (varies with the type of leptospira organism) of dogs tested for Leptospirosis were positive over the last 4.5 years. Because there is much cross reactivity in antibody response to the six major type of lepto organism, dogs that develop antibodies to one type have antibodies to all or most other types. The type with the highest titer is thought to be the infective agent. The CSU study points to grippotyphosa, icterohemmorrhagiae, and Pomona as being the primary types of lepto in our area. Depending on the type involved, Leptospirosis causes either acute renal failure or hepatic disease, or both. Meningitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis and uveitis may also occur in infected dogs. There are many incidental hosts for Leptospirosis in Colorado wildlife, including mice, raccoons, foxes, skunks, opossums, and voles. In addition, studies have shown increased incidence of Lepto in new housing developments. Leptospirosis is in Colorado and, although the incidence may fluctuate from year to year, it is probably here to stay. Please ask your veterinarian to discuss the benefit versus risk of vaccination to limit this disease. Is My Dog at Risk? We currently recommend Leptospirosis vaccination for at risk individuals in the Fraser Valley. Risk factors include: 1.Hiking where your dog may come across a raccoon litter box area 2.Having regular raccoon visits on your property. 3.Swimming and jumping into every body of water your dog sees. 4.Having access to standing water. 5.Lepto is a disease with zoonotic potential, meaning humans can also become infected. Therefore, we are recommending that families with toddler age children also have their dogs vaccinated. How Do I Get My Dog Protected? We are currently using a 4-way Leptospirosis vaccine which is administered initially in a series of two shots separated 1 month apart. After the initial series annual boosters are recommended to maintain immunity.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Jul 2013 22:01:11 +0000
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