Lepto Shots for Dogs
Leptospirosis is an organism that infects people and animals around the world. There are many different strains of the organism, but eight types that are common in dogs and cats. Cats do not often become terribly ill by an infection; however, in dogs and livestock, the disease can cause severe illness.
1. Disease
o Transmission of leptospirosis occurs through contact with infected urine, through mating, from mother to offspring, or by eating tissue infected with the disease. The organisms multiply in the blood system and spread throughout the body. Infection in the liver and kidneys causes the greatest illness. High fever, vomiting and dehydration are the most common symptoms, with renal failure being the most serious complication.
2. Significance
o While there are vaccines available against the bacterial infection caused by Leptospirosis, most protect against only a few of the strains. Vaccines are also not long acting, offering protection for only 6 to 8 months. In addition, vaccinations for leptospirosis are one of the most likely to cause a reaction in a healthy animal. Because of this, some veterinarians are recommending leptospirosis vaccinations only for those pets most at risk of contracting the infection.
Read more: Leptospirosis in dogs
