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Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which affects people, dogs, cattle, and several wild animal species. Humans most often get the disease from exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. This is a disease that occurs world-wide but usually only in areas with lots of precipitation.
The reason I wanted to discuss this disease is that several weeks ago two dogs in Kelowna, B.C. were suspected to have this disease. Both were treated by a veterinarian and both died. However, it was later determined that neither had Leptospirosis.
Nevertheless, I got several calls from clients asking if they should get their dogs vaccinated against this disease. In dogs, Leptospirosis mainly affects the liver and kidney. If diagnosed early, it can be cured with penicillin-type antibiotics. Otherwise it can be fatal. The standard dog vaccine that includes protection against Leptospirosis as well as several other diseases such as canine parvovirus and distemper is not fully protective against Leptospirosis. The reason for this is that 5 different strains of the bacteria cause the disease in dogs. the vaccine only protects against two. There is a vaccine available that protects against 4 strains of Leptospirosis. But why have your pet injected with this vaccine for a disease that is not seen in the Okanagan? This disease simply has not been found to occur in the Okanagan---at least not in dogs.
Therefore, I do not recommend the use of the vaccine for dogs that do not travel outside the Okanagan. However, for my patients that go to areas that Leptospirosis is known to occur, such as the state of New York, I do suggest the vaccine.
Vaccines are a valuable tool against contagious diseases. But they should be used judiciously according to the needs of the individual rather than taking the "one size fits all" approach. |
