leptospirosis icterohaemorrhagiae

[jbloss]

My 13 year old shepherd mutt has become ill. He has lost his appetite, seems depressed, and vomits frequently. Tomorrow he sees his veterinarian for more tests. So far a general profile test shows his functions are within normal limits, except for somewhat elevated potassium. Some internet searching has come up with the disease leptospirosis icterohaemorrhagiae which leads to similar symptoms. It can be transmitted through rodent urine, especially during rainy seasons. Shane and my other dog have bee sniffing around my gas grill which I discovered last night had a rat's nest in it wreaking of urine. (I have woods behind me.) I am armed with info about it to take to the Veterinarian tomorrow. Has anyone had any experience with this? It is, according to reports, often fatal.

[Tucker'sMom]

There is a vaccine for lepto. Is your dog up to date on his vaccines? I also know that where I live (in rural PA), I believe they did not used to vaccinate for lepto, we vaccinated for Corona, however, now they vaccinate for lepto, and not corona, because there is more of a risk of lepto here. Please keep us informed on the outcome.

[fran67]

My 7 year old Cocker Spaniel was diagnosed with Lepto about a month ago. She was very ill and had to stay at emergency Veterinarian for huge rounds of antibiotics and liver protectants. It was the jaundice (yellowing) around her eyes that tipped them off to what it could be. She is now off all meds and is doing fine. The vaccines, according to the company that makes them, are only good for 6-8 months. They also don't cover every strain of Lepto, kind of like the kennel couch vaccines. Hope your dog is doing better.