Recently, there has been an increased concern about a canine bacterial infection called Leptospirosis. Contrary to some recent new reports, this is neither a new disease nor one that is affecting thousands of dogs in the metropolitan area. The bacteria causing this disease are passed in the urine of infected animals. Reservoirs species include skunks, raccoons, opossums and small rodents. Dogs contract the disease either directly from infected animals or drinking water that is contaminated with urine from infected animals, i.e. puddles, pool tarps etc.
Leptospirosis causes lethargy, depression, decreased appetite, vomiting, fever, and jaundice.
Left untreated, it can result in liver or kidney failure. Of further concern is the fact that it is also transmissible to people. What's new about this disease however are the strains of the bacteria responsible for the current outbreak. A new vaccine offering protection against these strains is now available. The Englewood Animal Hospital recommends this vaccine for dogs that have a risk of exposure to the urine of infected animals or water polluted with their urine.