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Vaccinating your dog for Leptospirosis
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a re-emerging disease worldwide. It has reemerged in North America to the point that professionals at the Center for Disease Control say they now consider the disease as a notable source of mortality. It is a bacterial disease of humans and animals. In humans and dogs alike it causes a wide range of symptoms from very mild flu like symptoms to liver and/or kidney failure.
How is it spread?
The primary method of transmission is via water contaminated with urine, although urine contaminated soil, bedding or foods are also routes of exposure in addition to blood or saliva. Organisms can penetrate mucus membranes, wet or macerated skin or intact skin. Leptospirosis can be spread by dogs, rats, raccoons, possums and several other common mammals as well as humans.
What considerations are used to determine which dogs should be vaccinated?
Most foremost authorities agree on the following indicators for vaccinating for Leptospirosis;
§ Animals in geographical areas with defined wet seasons – our part of Oregon fits this description.
§ Animals in geographic areas where there is a known prevalence or outbreaks of the disease – according to our own state veterinarian; 96 dogs were tested positive for the disease in 2008. 20% of those in Multnomah Co. 14% in Washington Co. and 10% in Clackamas Co. Keep in mind these were only the reported cases.
§ Animals who frequent any type of communal area shared by multiple dogs such as neighborhoods, dog parks, grooming salons or boarding facilities - One significant misconception is that you can limit the area in which your dog walks, but you can’t prevent other animals from walking in that area, or even in your own yard.
Is there risk in vaccinating?
There is risk involved with every vaccine. The reaction rate for the new vaccine is less than 3%, with the majority of those being soreness at the injection site post vaccinating. The newest vaccines have significantly increased the efficacy of the vaccine while simultaneously reducing the incidence of reactions as well. Due to the factors above, most authorities on the topic agree that for our area the risk of the disease is greater than the risk of the vaccine.
Please let a staff member know if you have any further concerns and one of our medical team would be happy to meet with you.
Thank you for trusting us to always give the best care for your furry friends.
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