Leptospirosis (Lepto) is a bacterial disease of uncommon occurrence in humans and animals.  The disease incidence varies from area to area around the world.  In Virginia, depending where you live, has a moderate incidence of this disease. Leptospirosis is transmitted between animals through contact with infected urine; venereal and placental transfer; bite wounds; or the ingestion of infected tissue. Typically we think of the disease being spread by small furry animals such as rodents and raccoons but some forms (serovars) of Lepto can be spread through livestock such as horses and cattle.   Indirect transmission occurs through exposure of susceptible animals to contaminated water sources, food, or even bedding. Stagnant or slow moving water provides a suitable habitat for Leptospira. As a result, disease outbreaks often increase during periods of flooding. In dry areas infections are more common around water sources.

Leptospirosis can cause significant illness and even death to humans and dogs.  It can cause kidney failure and/or liver disease.  Since it is a bacterial infection, it can be treated if caught early enough.  However, diagnosis of the disease can be difficult, expensive and time consuming.  If your pet becomes infected, there is greater risk of infection for you and other people and dogs he/she comes in contact with.  Cats seem to be more resistant to infection with Lepto.

In the past, two serovars of Lepto were commonly included in combination vaccinations.  For various reasons, many veterinarians including ourselves stopped using the vaccination over the last 6 years.  The primary reason is that Lepto was found to be related to increased vaccine reactions.  Vaccine reactions could be mild hives' and facial swellings to life threatening anaphylaxis.  Although occurrence of Leptospirosis is still uncommon, the incidence is now on the rise.  There have been several cases where new housing developments encroached upon previous undeveloped areas.   
 

In our experience, dachshunds, pugs and boxers tend to have a higher incidence of vaccine reactions. As with any vaccine minor reactions include facial swelling/edema and/or hives.   We feel that larger dogs and dogs that spend more time outside have an increased risk of exposure and therefore are at greater risk of infection with Leptospirosis.

If you choose to have your dog vaccinated, we will use a separate vaccine that contains 4 Lepto serovars.  We recommend 2 vaccinations 3-6 weeks apart.  The immunity derived from these 2 vaccinations may only last for 6 months.  The protection offered will vary with each individual pet.  Currently we are offering the initial 2 vaccines, then yearly boosters.  The immunity is relatively short-lived for this disease.

We use the a '4-way' lepto vaccine, which is by Pfizer Animal Health. 

To reiterate, we have this vaccine available, but do not require it.  Please come for your next visit with a decision on whether you want Lepto included in your dog's next vaccination.  You may wish to further research this online.  If you have further questions for us, please call and ask your questions in advance of your appointment.