new vaccine for leptospirosis

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josie1918
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new vaccine for leptospirosis

Post by josie1918 »

Utica Pet Health Examiner.SubscribeSponsor an Examiner .....View all of Debra's articles
Print.Leptospirosis Vaccine approved!

Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health has a new four way Leptospirosis vaccine, called Nobivac Lepto 4 that is now approved for use on dogs. This new vaccine should cover dogs against the four biggest problem versions of Leptospirosis - L. canicola, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. pomona and L. grippotyphosa.

Leptospirosis is commonly associated with kidney disease but can show up with other signs such as muscle pain, fever, loss of appetite and dehydration. Still, 80 % or more of the dogs who get Leptospirosis may show acute kidney failure. Up to 20% of them may die. Cases tend to increase in late summer and early fall, especially with warm, humid and wet weather - just like we have had lately!

Most dogs become infected through contact with infected urine or by drinking water that has infected urine. Warm, stagnant pools are ideal sources, especially if wildlife also has access to that water. Think of all the times your dog sniffs where someone else has urinated! Rats are considered to be a particular problem.

Leptospirosis can be passed from your dog to you, so it is a public health concern. Dogs with leptospirosis are treated with antibiotics and also supportive care for any kidney failure.

County by county reporting is not done for leptospirosis but we know it is present in Oneida County. Erie County did a study for 5 years, looking at how rodent control affected case reports. There was a dramatic decrease due to use of covered garbage containers and strict rodent control. Long Island had a major influx of cases a few years ago, with no real cause identified.

Leptospirosis is not considered to be a core vaccine but you may want to discuss this with your veterinarian. The new vaccine should be safer than old ones with less reactions and also cover more serotypes so it is more effective. If your dog is out hunting, around areas with lots of wildlife or your veterinarian has seen a number of cases, it may make sense to vaccinate your dog.
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Nettle
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Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2008 1:40 pm

Re: new vaccine for leptospirosis

Post by Nettle »

That's good news: I'll look forward to hearing more in due course.
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Mattie
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Re: new vaccine for leptospirosis

Post by Mattie »

And me, thank you :D
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