Leptospirosis vaccine for dogs is used to treat diseases caused by bacteria. Leptospirosis can affect both animals and humans. It is currently the most common zoonotic disease in the world, which can be transmitted from animals to people.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease in dogs and other animals. Which mainly affects the liver or kidney of the dog. The bacteria (Leptospira) that cause leptospirosis, commonly called leptospires, thrive in water and have a helical or spiral shape with a characteristic hook at one or both ends.
Leptospirosis Vaccine for Dogs
Vaccine Details
Type: Non-core
USDA approved? Yes
Standard of living: All
Storage: Between 2 – 8 °C.
Species: Companion animal, dog
Composition: In each dose of inactivated vaccine, leptospirosis vaccine for dogs’ frequency
Leptospira Inquiry Serotype Canicola Strain Ca-12-000 At least 957 units/ml
Icterohaemorrhagiae strain 820k at least 625 units/ml. Are
dosage and administration
Inject 1ml of Lepto subcutaneously. Lepto can also reconstitute Intervet’s freeze-dried vaccines, Puppy DP and Nobivac DHPPI.
leptospirosis vaccine for dogs schedule
Lepto is indicated for an initial vaccination schedule at 8-9 weeks, followed by the booster and annual vaccination at 12 weeks.
However, vaccination with Lepto is part of a comprehensive vaccination program. Many options exist.
What is Leptospirosis Vaccine?
The first leptospirosis vaccine for dogs was introduced in the United States and Europe in the 1960s. Since then, dog vaccination has become routine at many veterinary clinics across the US. However, not all vet clinics routinely perform or offer this vaccine. This is likely due to the vaccine’s non-dominant status as deemed by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and the American Animal Hospital Association.
The lepto vaccine is available from most general practice veterinary clinics across the United States. Vaccines are not required by law anywhere in the US.
What is the lepto virus, and how do dogs get infected?
Leptospirosis is found in wildlife such as rats, raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels and deer and where they may urinate, including lakes, streams, puddles or soil in your backyard. Dogs that swim in lakes or lick puddles! Any dog that goes outside regularly is at risk of contracting this disease.
The current vaccine only protects against several different forms of certain types of Leptospira bacteria that cause leptospirosis. However, getting your dog vaccinated reduces the risk of becoming ill with leptospirosis.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis Disease
Symptoms of this disease in animals can be difficult to recognize and mimic many other diseases, and sometimes pets have no symptoms. List of some of the clinical signs.
This includes:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Refusal to eat
- Severe weakness and depression
- Hardness
- Diarrhea
- Severe muscle pain
There are 3 main forms of the disease:
1. Hemorrhagic (bleeding). Hemorrhagic disease is characterized by high fever with lethargy and loss of appetite.
2. Jaundice or Jaundice (liver). There is a yellow appearance (jaundice or itching) in the mouth and the white part of the eyes. In severe cases, the dogs skin will turn yellow.
3. Kidneys (kidneys). Renal form causes kidney failure. These dogs are lethargic, anorectic (not ready to eat), and may vomit.
Leptospirosis vaccine for dogs Cost
The Cost of the lepto vaccine for your dog can vary greatly depending on your location and whether you go to a low-cost vaccine clinic or a full-service veterinary practice. The Cost usually ranges from $15 to $35 for the lepto vaccine alone and can range from $50-$60 for the combination of DAPP with the lepto vaccine.
Leptospirosis Vaccines Licensed for Use in Dogs in the United States:
- Manufacturer Product Name
- Zoetis Vanguard L4
- Merck Animal Health Nobivac Lepto4
- Elanco Ultra Duramune 4L
- boehringer ingelheim 4lepto
Each of the above manufacturers also offers the lepto vaccine combined with the DAPP core vaccine.
No leptospirosis vaccine is currently considered safer or more effective than another.
How is leptospirosis diagnosed?
Two tests can be used to diagnose leptospirosis.
The DNA-PCR test checks for genetic material from Leptospira bacteria in the blood or urine. MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test) looks for the presence of antibodies produced against leptospirosis. Each of these tests has its specific advantages and disadvantages.
single test search
Treatment and prevention
Leptospirosis is usually treated with antibiotics and supportive care. Currently available leptospirosis vaccines effectively prevent leptospirosis and protect dogs for at least 1 year.
Although an infected pet dog or your puppy presents a low risk of infection for you and your family, there is still some risk. If your dog has been diagnosed with leptospirosis, take the following precautions for your safety:
- Administer antibiotics prescribed by your vet;
- Avoid contact with your dog’s urine;
- If your dog urinates in your home, clean the area quickly with household disinfectant and wear gloves to avoid skin contact with urine;
- Encourage your dog to urinate away from standing water or areas where people or other animals will have access;
- Wash your hands after handling your pet.
Read – How to train a dog to sit, poop & stop barking
Should the leptospirosis vaccine be given to a dog?
Younger dogs are usually more severely affected than older dogs. In general, you should schedule an appointment with your vet whenever your dog seems to be getting sick or not behaving normally. In particular, if your dog is not currently vaccinated for leptospirosis or if you think your dog may have leptospirosis, please get in touch with your family veterinarian to learn more.
Can the leptospirosis vaccine cause side effects?
leptospirosis vaccine for dogs pros and cons
A vaccine reaction is more likely to occur in several different vaccines given at the same time. Vaccine recommendations should always be based on the individual pet’s lifestyle, so speak with your veterinarian to determine if this vaccine is recommended for your pet.
The response to the leptospirosis vaccine is usually a few days of lethargy and possibly loss of appetite. Some dogs may have a reaction such as anaphylactic shock shortly after vaccination. Miniature Dachshunds and West Highland White Terriers seem to have a slightly increased risk for this reaction. Other dogs may develop a skin rash (hives), which are evident in hairless areas.
Leptospirosis Vaccine for dogs Necessary
Leptospirosis has been found in dogs living in rural, suburban and urban settings in every state in the US. Direct or indirect exposure to the urine of rats or mice is the greatest risk In urban environments. In suburban environments, wildlife is a common source of infection. In rural areas, livestock and wildlife can transmit leptospirosis to dogs.
While hunting dogs, dogs that swim in lakes or ponds, and dogs that live near farm animals are still thought to be at the highest risk of infection, a recent study found that dogs who weigh 15 pounds were less than most likely to test positive for lepto.
