The leptospirosis vaccine was recently added to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) core vaccine list , making it recommended for all dogs. DR. RuthAnn Lobos explains the dangers of leptospirosis, how it is transmitted, and what sporting dog owners can do to keep their hunting companions safe.
What is Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a spirochete bacterium Leptospira, which has six different strains or serovars. The bacteria can infect a range of species including dogs, livestock, wildlife, and humans, which classifies it as a zoonotic disease. While once thought to only be prevalent in rural, warm, moist environments, Leptospira has migrated into urban and suburban areas as well as arid climates like Arizona. Because the bacteria are now found in a wider range of environmental conditions, the typical demographic of the dogs at risk for infection has also expanded.
Leptospirosis can be transmitted through contaminated water, food, and soil. (Photo courtesy of Dr. RuthAnn) How is Leptospirosis it Transmitted Between Dogs? Dogs usually become infected through contact with the urine of animals carrying the Leptospira bacteria. It is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted from one dog to the next through contact with infected water, food, or soil. It can enter the body through any break in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth). There is currently little evidence of direct transmission from dogs to humans, but thorough precautions should be taken if your dog becomes ill with leptospirosis.
If you see symptoms of leptospirosis, consult with your vet. (Photo courtesy of Heather Doran) What are the Clinical Signs of Leptospirosis? The Leptospira bacteria attach to cells that line blood vessels, interfering with the blood’s clotting ability. As it spreads, the infection can create a wide range of symptoms with varying levels of severity. Common signs include fever, lethargy, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and increased thirst and urination. Severe cases can lead to kidney or liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
How is it Diagnosed and Treated? Diagnosis of leptospirosis can be tricky as it mimics a broad range of other diseases. It typically involves a combination of clinical signs, history of potential exposure, and laboratory tests. Blood tests, urine tests, and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) can detect the presence of Leptospira bacteria or antibodies in the dog's body.
Treatment of the disease depends on the clinical signs and severity of infection, but typically it involves antibiotics—most commonly doxycycline—for a minimum of two weeks. Initially, hospitalization with IV fluids and other supportive care is necessary to stabilize the dog. The sooner the diagnosis and treatment begins, the more likely the recovery and survival will be. There can be lasting effects on the liver, kidneys, and/or lungs, depending on the severity of the infection.
Not only sporting dogs are at risk for leptospirosis, other pets can be at risk as well. (Photo courtesy of Dr. RuthAnn Lobos) How Can We Protect Our Dogs from Leptospirosis? The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has recently updated their vaccination guidelines to include the leptospirosis vaccine as one of the core vaccines for all dogs, regardless of size, breed, age, or lifestyle. The current vaccine covers four of the six serovars, or strains, of the Leptospira bacteria and should be received annually.
Our sporting dogs are certainly at risk, given the hobbies and activities we do with them. However, even small breed dogs and dogs that spend the majority of time indoors are still at risk as more and more wildlife end time in our neighborhoods. Given leptospirosis is highly contagious, vaccination is equally important to keep in mind for the dogs we have at home that don’t hunt. They are at just as much risk as our bird dogs.
Historically, veterinarians have been concerned about severe reactions to the Leptospira vaccines. The vaccine formulations have been renovated to minimize the likelihood of these reactions, and the current, most widely used vaccine has been shown to have the same low frequency of adverse events as other vaccines used in veterinary medicine.
The side effects of the leptospirosis vaccine are typically mild and may include soreness at the injection site, lethargy, and a slight fever. Serious reactions are rare but can include allergic responses such as swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Dog owners should monitor their dogs after vaccination as the first 24-48 hours are when the reactions are mostly likely to occur, and they should consult with their veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise.
Additionally, if an adult dog has never had the vaccine, they should receive two doses three to four weeks apart to set up their immune system for effective protection and then an annual booster after that.
The environments that sporting dogs spend time in puts them at risk of leptospirosis. (Photo courtesy of Heather Doran Photography) Preventative Measures to Protect Sporting Dogs In addition to vaccination, dog owners can take several measures to reduce the risk of leptospirosis:
Avoid letting dogs drink from or swim in stagnant water, ponds, or areas with low water flow. Minimize contact with wildlife or potentially infected animals. Control rodent populations around the home and yard. Ensure good hygiene practices, especially after handling animals or cleaning up urine. In Summary Leptospirosis is a serious disease that can affect dogs and humans alike. The responsibility to limit the risk for our dogs and ourselves lies with us—to stay informed, be vigilant, and take that ounce of prevention. That said, as with all things in life, nothing is 100% and that applies to the leptospirosis vaccine too. Even if your dog is currently vaccinated, if your dog exhibits any of the common signs of leptospirosis and has been in high-risk environments, it is critical to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. This can help not only minimize the potential severity of the infection and the lasting health consequences to your dog but also the spread to other dogs or humans.
