WARNING *with disclaimer* about leptospirosis death in East Dallas

OT - The Lakewood area is very pretty with lots of history. One of my longest running frends lived there most of his life and his parents are still there.

As for vacc's, I have no problem updating my dog's vacc's. There might be risk associated with the stuff but there is, imo, a greater risk attached by not updating. I rely on my vet's advice. We have 3 year rabies and yearly on parvo, adeno, parainfluenza and a few others.

Asking around and trying to contact the guy, although I'm also trying to be sensitive to the fact that he just lost his dog...

As I understand it, the only place the dog ever walked was Exall Park (bordered by Live Oak and Bryan St in the 3500 block) and occasionally his girlfriend's house, but I don't know that location.

I understande Lepto is fairly area specific and I'm not sure Lakewood is close enough.

 Last year our vet recommended a Lepto vaccine for our dogs. He said normally he did not feel it was necessary but there were cases in our area so he thought it might be wise. He cautioned us that dogs can have a reaction from this vaccine, mine did not. I don't know if any of the cases died, but he did say it can make the dogs pretty sick.

Maxs Mom

What are they symptoms of Lepto?

Different strains can produce different symptoms - see the article below:

Leptospirosis
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1556&articleid=454

The problems with getting a Lepto vaccine are

• the high rate of reactions
• the danger to small dogs and puppies under 12-weeks
• finding a vaccine against the strains currently in your area (There are 8 strains or serovars that effect dogs, but no vaccine that protects against more than 4.)
• only offers about 6 to 8 months of protection, so dog should be vaccinated twice a year for full protection
• vaccination against one strain does not protect against the other strains

Treatment consists of antibiotics, fluid replacement, and controlling the vomiting and the problems associated with the corresponding kidney or liver infections. Penicillin, or one of its derivatives is the antibiotic of choice for treating the initial infection. After the initial infection is controlled, doxycycline is often used to cure and prevent a potential long-term carrier state. 

Because of the lack of cross protection between strains, the high incidence of reactions, and the need for frequent vaccination, many veterinarians have begun to recommend leptospiral vaccinations only for those dogs at higher risk. 

badrap

Hopefully I can update with confirmation or denial fairly soon.

One very important piece of information is the strain or serovar.  That would help to narrow down the species of possible carriers.

This morning I got a possible diagnosis.  Louie may have Leptospirosis. Its the only vaccination he did not get, (because of the possibility of  reactions) and his breeder said he was playing in stagnant water a few weeks ago. She lives out near Terrell. (about 45 minutes away from Dallas)    The vet took a urinalysis and said there are some bacteria that look like it could be lepto sloughing off.