Leptospirosis

 I've ranted a lot over the years about the leptospirosis vaccination and its dangerous outcome, particularly the L4 vaccine. The L2 vaccine was safer but personally I prefer not to vaccinate. There are at least 23 named species of Leptospira, but the L2 vaccine covers 2 and predictably the L4 safeguards against 4 strains. Research suggests that more dogs die from the vaccine (L4) than from Leptospirosis itself.

Sadly last night I was told about a GSD bitch who has died from Leptospirosis, she, like my guys, was unvaccinated. Not meaning to judge anyone, but speed is of the essence in treating leptospirosis, leaving a dog 48 hrs hoping they will get better is signing their death certificate. Knowing what to look for is paramount, please see the attached screenshot. Sadly these people live in an urban area, near a railway and confess the place is inundated with rats.  

I was told that urban rats were more likely to carry it than rural rats, but it seems the conditions they live in is a major factor, and of course there are far more urban than rural rats. "Rural rats are less likely to carry leptospirosis compared to urban rats. This is likely due to a few factors. Rural rats have less contact with human waste and contaminated water sources, which are major ways the disease spreads. Also, rural rats tend to have less dense populations, reducing the chances of the disease spreading."

Anyway, the choice we make are those that we believe are best for our dogs. Be vigilant, and try and keep your dogs safe, vaccinated or not, be aware that danger is out there. Vets tell us the leptospirosis vaccine for dogs typically lasts about one year, research proves it last a lot less than that and L4 gives very little protection when you consider there are 23+ variants of the disease. On saying that, Leptospirosis is rare in the UK, and it's thought that only about 14% of wild rats carry it, so get out to the countryside and enjoy your dogs.