Lepto

    • Gold Top Dog

    Lepto

    I just found out that a JRT in my neighbourhood died of lepto two weeks ago! I am so upset for the dog and the family. I'm also worried for Louise, of course. I don't remember if she's been vaccinated for this and I'm going to call the vet tomorrow, but can someone reassure me that she doesn't have it and I don't have to freak out?
    • Gold Top Dog
    Your dog doesn't have it and you don't have to freak out! LOL. I do understand, lepto is pretty scary. We had a lepto outbreak in NC/southern VA this summer, at the exact time that I was rasing two puppies. Talk about scary!

    Be sure to explain to your vet, if they don't know already, very slowly, that your dog may have had indirect contact with lepto through the neighborhood dog. The lepto vaccine is one of those that different brands cover different strains, and your vet may need to call CDC or your state Veterinary Disease Control, to find out what is active in your area. This is what a friend had to do when her dog came down with it. I think they actually ended up ordering a special vaccine.

    If your dog is otherwise up to date on her shots, don't let your vet talk you into giving her a 5-way booster or other combo shot, just because it's what they have in the office. Insist on the individual vaccination. Giving her the parvo and other whatnot at this time will just unecessarily challenge her immune system when she needs her immune system to be putting on its game face!! [;)]

    Good luck and don't worry - chances are your dog IS protected by her good health and old immunizations, until you can get her more up to date, if needed. Don't let her drink from any puddles or eat anything off the street (I'm sure that's like, duh, but just thought I'd mention that).[;)]
    • Gold Top Dog
    Thank you so much! I'm taking her in tomorrow for the vaccine, which was not part of her normal puppy vaccination series.