Although I had been regularly vaccinated against this spirochete, new forms are emerging putting dogs and their owners at risk. There is also some question as to the effectiveness of current vaccines and whether dogs should be vaccinated every six months instead of once a year. I was critically ill and remained in the hospital for a week, dropping rapidly from 110 pounds to 100. As I started to feel better, I was allowed to go home at night, but had to return each day to the hospital to continue my IV treatments. Finally, I was able to take the antibiotics by tablet and was discharged to my parents' care.
Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease that can damage the liver and kidneys.
In my case, my liver function was affected. For nearly a week, I could not eat or drink anything. C and B-complex and the herbs milk thistle and dandelion to help my liver. A lthough I now feel better and my liver function has returned to normal, Lepto will always be a factor in my family's life because of the scare this disease gave them. Since Lepto can be caught by humans as well as other dogs, be sure to use anti-bacterial detergent on everything.