LEPTOSPIROSIS:

   Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that your pet can get from direct, or indirect transmission. Direct transmission would include contact with infected urine, bite wounds, or sexual transmission. Indirect transmission includes exposure to contaminated water, soil, food, or bedding. Animals that spread this disease include infected dogs, rodents, skunks and opossum. Transmission increases in areas where animals are concentrated, such as in kennels, parks and dog runs.

   There are multiple types, or serovars, of this bacteria and each type can infect different organs within your pet's body. How sick your pet will get depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection and the age and immunity of your pet. The disease can be life threatening.

   The best way to treat this infection is through prevention. There are current outbreaks of this disease in Long Island, NY and Northern NJ, which have been reported on the local news. Avoiding parks and dog runs in these high-risk areas is recommended. It is important to remember that dogs can serve as carriers of this disease as well as wildlife.

   There is a vaccination for this disease and it is recommended for high-risk animals such as those who hunt, or spend time in the outbreak areas. The shortcomings of the vaccine include, not being able to protect against all types of leptospira and a high incidence of allergic reactions. There are at least eight different types of bacteria that can infect our pets and no vaccine can protect against all types. Many dogs given the vaccine can develop allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, vomiting, diarrhea and life threatening anaphylactic shock. These are the reasons the vaccine is not for every pet.

   This is a zoonotic disease, which means that humans can be infected by animals. The majority of infections in people are among those who enjoy water sports and are exposed to the infected urine of wildlife or domestic pets. The bacteria gains entrance into your body through breaks in your skin or through mucus membranes. Infected pets that are vaccinated may not get sick but they can still spread the disease.

   This is an important disease and you should be aware of its existence, but we caution you not to panic. If your pet is a high-risk candidate ask us about the vaccine.