LEPTOSPIROSIS - LOCAL OUTBREAK

WHAT HAPPENED

Los Angeles County usually sees 10-12 cases of Leptospirosis a year, mostly in dogs exposed to wildlife. In the last 4 months, there have been 51 confirmed cases and 24 suspect cases, mostly stemming from daycare and boarding facilities. Of the affected dogs, 95% were unvaccinated.

LEPTOSPIROSIS IS CONTAGIOUS TO HUMANS.
PEOPLE GET IT WHEN ABRADED SKIN COMES INTO CONTACT WITH AFFECTED DOG URINE

WHAT IS IT? Leptospirosis is caused by infection by a spirochete called Leptospira interrogans (it looks like a question mark). There are many subtypes (called "serovars") and the one in this outbreak is called "Canicola." It is spread when dogs drink from urine contaminated water or lick up urine off their paws. Symptoms include: Excessive water drinking Kidney Failure Appetite loss Lethargy Vomiting Liver Failure So far, two dogs have died.

HOW DO WE PREVENT IT?

Our hospital has routinely vaccinated dogs over 20 lbs for Leptospirosis for years. If your dog has been vaccinated within the last year, he/she should be protected. If it is has been over a year, we recommend a booster. If your dog has not been vaccinated for Leptospirosis, ask us about setting up a series of vaccines. Vaccination is important before boarding, day care, or other dog group activities.

Leptospirosis is the "L" in DHLPP - the basic vaccine for dogs.

TREATMENT?

Leptospires are bacteria and respond readily to antibiotics. Exposed dogs should be treated but need not be quarantined. Dogs testing positive should be quarantined at home for the duration of their treatment. A 2-3 week course of antibiotics should clear the infection. Sicker dogs will require hospitalization and some dogs will actually require dialysis.

BOTTOM LINE

• If you think your dog is sick and might have this disease, ask for a test.
• If you are concerned about the infection, vaccinate your dog
• If you are planning to board your dog or if you use canine day care facilities, vaccinate your dog.
• If your dog frequents the park, vaccinate your dog.
• Wear gloves to clean dog urine.
• Know this disease can infect humans through abraded skin/contact with dog urine.

L.A. County Public Health Page on this outbreak and more details on what to do:
(if link doesn't open properly, cut and paste the URL into a new window)

www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/Leptospirosis2021.htm

For our own library page:

www.marvistavet.com/canine-leptospirosis.pml

   

  

   

SCHEDULE CHANGES

 

You may have noticed some new faces this past month as well as some schedule changes. Our hospital will be closing to medical appointments most Wednesdays, though, we will be available for some animal nurse appointments, medication pick ups, pet bathing, and similar activities. Medical appointment hours will complete at 3 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well, though, again, we will be available for services until 6 PM as described above. We will also be hosting several visiting veterinarians over the next several months. Let us know who you like (or don't like) as we eventually hope to add a new associate to our hospital family.

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