Owners should ensure their dogs are fully vaccinated against leptospirosis after a pug died from the disease.
Five-year-old Kenzo is understood to have contracted the illness after drinking fox urine, reports TeamDogs.
Head of telehealth at Vets Now, Dave Leicester, warned that the disease is not rare but a reduction in routine vaccinations during the coronavirus pandemic could see cases increase.
Leptospirosis – also known as lepto – is a bacterial disease that in severe cases can cause organ failure or death in animals.
Here's everything dog owners need to be aware of.
What is leptospirosis?
Mr Leicester said: “Leptospirosis is one of the diseases which the usual puppy vaccinations protect against.
“It’s a blood-borne infection caused by bacteria and dogs can catch it from other animals such as rats, horses and livestock, and more rarely, as in this case, foxes and other wild mammals.
“Transmission is usually through infected urine, or direct contact with an infected animal but can also be caught from urine-contaminated water and soil.
“The bacteria can damage vital organs such as the liver and kidneys and is thus a very serious disease, and sadly often life-threatening in dogs.”
Leptospirosis can also infect humans – known as Weil's disease – after being passed on by dogs and cats.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
The symptoms of lepto can vary enormously according to Mr Leicester, but he said that the common signs to look out for include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Jaundice
- Muscle and joint pain
- Reduced appetite
He added: “Dogs with leptospirosis must be treated in isolation to prevent them spreading to other pets or veterinary staff.
"In mild cases, the vet may be able to use antibiotics, a fluid drip and other medicines to help fight the infection.
“However, in severe cases, organ failure is common and affected animals often die or need to be euthanased.”
How can I protect my dog from leptospirosis?
“Dogs who live on farms or are regularly on farmland, or play in standing water are most at risk from the infection,” said Mr Leicester.
“The best protection against leptospirosis is through the highly effective vaccine, so make sure you have your puppy vaccinated as early as possible and annual boosters are essential because immunity after vaccination isn’t long-lived.”
