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Muddy Dog R= uns Causing Canine Illness
June’s near-constant rains may have helped make dogs in New York City critically i= ll. In recent weeks, several otherwise healthy dogs are believed to have died f= rom leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that occurs worldwide and is transmitt= ed in several ways: through bites, contact with the urine of an infected anima= l, or exposure to contaminated soil, food, or bedding.
“Leptospi= rosis crops up periodically all over the country,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Dire= ctor of Medicine at ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “It’s more prevale= nt in wetter regions and less of a risk in cool, dry areas.” Outbreaks increase during periods of heavy rainfall because the Leptospira family of bacteria thrives in stagnant or slow-moving water. Dog runs with = poor drainage that also lack a source of fresh drinking water create ideal conditions for catching the disease.
The ASPCA u= rges dog owners to be on the lookout for the following symptoms: fever, vomiting, poor appetite, lethargy, coughing and labored breathing. Infected dogs may become jaundiced (yellowing of the eyes and skin) or stop urinating if dise= ase is severe. Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics, but prompt medical attention is vital as the disease can be fatal and is transmissible to huma= ns.
Fortunately, there is a leptospirosis vaccine—talk to your vet about whether vaccinati= ng is good idea for your dog. “Like other vaccines, there may be a higher rate = of adverse reactions in small-breed dogs,” says Dr. Murray. “The vaccine s= hould be administered separately from other vaccinations and in two stages—one shot followed by a booster two or three weeks later.”
Furthermore, “when outdoors—whether at the dog run or by a pond—dog owners must be= vigilant about not letting their pets drink stagnant water,” warns Dr. Murray. “= We recommend the leptospirosis vaccine, but don’t allow it to make you lax. Because there are many strains of the disease, vaccination does not guarant= ee absolute protection. Always bring fresh drinking water when you take your d= ogs on outings.”