What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospira is a bacteria from the spirochaete family, a group of spiral-shaped pathogens, that cause infection in mammals. This bacteria has a worldwide distribution but is found most commonly in warm, wet climates/seasons.

Leptospira can cause infection in dogs, leading to renal failure and severe hepatitis. It is transmitted through contact with infected wildlife urine or afterbirth tissue and can also exist in contaminated environments where an infected animal was living (vegetation, soil, water, bedding). This organism survives best in stagnant water but can also survive for 180 days in wet soil!

Mice, squirrels, skunks, foxes, and deer can all carry leptospirosis, but not necessarily be sick from the pathogen. As we are moving into spring here in the Roaring Fork Valley, there will be more standing water, wildlife movement, and time spent outdoors, and therefore an increased risk of exposure to these tiny environmental pathogens. Most at risk are hunting dogs and dogs that go hiking and camping with owners, or, of course, if you live near wildlife (most of us!).

How to protect your dog

The Leptospirosis vaccine protects against the 4 most common serovars and is highly effective. Dogs receive an initial vaccine, a one-month booster, and then we recommend a booster annually. Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning dogs (and other animals) can transmit this disease to humans.

When I did my veterinary internship in Texas, we had a beautiful, very sick, young Husky that tested positive for Leptospirosis. Since the disease was attacking his kidneys, he was polyuric and polydipsic, meaning he was constantly urinating and drinking water because his kidneys could not concentrate his urine. Every time I checked on him and did his treatments (IV fluid therapy, IV antibiotics, and vital sign checks), I had to suit up in isolation PPE (personal protective equipment) because of how contagious this pathogen was to me. The Husky did survive the infection, but he was hospitalized for 2 weeks!

Prevention really is the BEST medicine. Call us today to make sure your dog is up-to-date on his/her Leptospirosis vaccine.