What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis (often shortened to lepto), is a bacterial disease that causes serious illness by damaging vital organs, such as the liver and kidneys. Leptospirosis bacteria can spread in urine and can enter the body through the mouth, nose, or wounds.

Dogs can catch leptospirosis from:

• Another infected dog

• Sniffing/licking the ground where an infected dog has urinated

• Urine from an infected cow, pig or rodent (i.e., if they spend a lot of time on farms)

• Infected wet ground or fresh water (rivers / lakes) - lepto can live in wet ground and freshwater for several months.

There are a few different types of leptospirosis bacteria and each one is slightly different.

Fortunately, we can vaccinate against the types of lepto bacteria commonly found in the UK.

Symptoms

Symptoms of lepto vary a lot, but can include:

• Fever (high temperature)

• Jaundice (yellow gums and eyes)

• Muscle pain and limping

• Weakness and collapse

• A reduced appetite

• Drinking more

• Vomiting

• Bloody diarrhoea

• Bleeding from the mouth and eyes

• Mouth ulcers

• Difficulty breathing

If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your vet immediately.

Prevention

Fortunately, we can vaccinate against leptospirosis. There are a few different types of leptospirosis bacteria, so there are there are several different lepto vaccinations available.

We vaccinate dogs against leptospirosis every year to prevent this awful disease. It is important to vaccinate annually, as there is no titre test to check your pet’s antibody level.

We have had a confirmed leptospirosis case in this area, so if you have lapsed on your dog’s vaccine, please contact us today on 01665 252 250.