Lepto vaccine?

hem14

Our breeder told us not to get the Lepto vaccine because a few of his dogs had very bad reactions a few years ago. The vet said the vaccine has changed a lot over the years and is now much safer than it used to be, and she hasn't seen a bad reaction in the past four years. We live in a city, but also right next to a large park, so I worry about all of the germs in still water, puddles and streams in the area. I've talked to another basenji owner in the area who said he's gotten the vaccine for his basenjis and they had no issues. I'm hoping to get some more insight from basenjis owners on the vaccine. Have your basenjis gotten it? Have any had bad reactions within the past year or two? Thanks!!

UPDATE: We got the first round of Lepto and our little guy was just fine. No issues at all. He's getting his second round this weekend, and now I'll feel much more comfortable bringing him around rivers, and walking him in the (rat infested) city.

DebraDownSouth

Well, here is the thing... I had a puppy's head swell up like a manatee after Lepto. After her first one, we knew, so just gave double dose of antihistamines before and watched. Her response was mild on revaccination.

So give or not? Depends on where you live. 15 yrs ago, many areas had no cases. It is massively growing. My child, not dog, got lepto. It was horrific. Two of her fellow volunteers that went to Costa Rica ended up in the hospital for a long time. So I take it seriously. I have read the newer vaccines cause less reaction.

http://www.akc.org/news/recent-cases-leptospirosis/

One study of 33,000 samples showed a 600-percent increase in dogs testing positive for the bacterium between 2000 and 2007. The report also notes that raccoons have been identified as major reservoirs of the pathogen in the U.S., and that up to 90 percent of urban rats shed the bacteria in their urine, indicating that dogs in urban, suburban, and rural environments may be equally at risk of exposure.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, leptospirosis is common in areas of the U.S. where temperatures are mild and where there are notable rainy seasons. However, the number of cases in more arid parts of the country, such as Colorado, has increased in the last few years.<<

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Leptospirosis.aspx

Treatment and prevention
Leptospirosis is generally treated with antibiotics and supportive care. When treated early and aggressively, the chances for recovery are good but there is still a risk of permanent residual kidney or liver damage.

Currently available vaccines effectively prevent leptospirosis and protect dogs for at least 12 months. Annual vaccination is recommended for at-risk dogs. Reducing your dog’s exposure to possible sources of the Leptospira bacteria can reduce its chances of infection.

Although an infected pet dog 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 to protect yourself:

Administer antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian;
Avoid contact with your dog’s urine;
If your dog urinates in your home, quickly clean the area with a household disinfectant and wear gloves to avoid skin contact with the 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.
If you are ill or if you have questions about leptospirosis in people, consult your physician. If you are pregnant or immunocompromised (due to medications, cancer treatment, HIV or other conditions), consult your physician for advice.<<

tanza

I have not given Lepto in over 15 years and have no reason to change... adults and puppies. I put in my puppy's contracts, NO Lepto

LifewithAva

They have started requiring the Lepto vaccine at Ava's daycare this year. They also require a heartworm test, fecal and Bordatella every six months, instead of once a year. I have never given Lepto to any of my dogs, so I'm going to have to find another place for her to have a playday. Not really sure why she needs the 2x/yr heartworm test, either, when she's been on Heartgard Plus since she was 12 weeks old.

DebraDownSouth

@LifewithAva said:

They have started requiring the Lepto vaccine at Ava's daycare this year. .... Not really sure why she needs the 2x/yr heartworm test, either, when she's been on Heartgard Plus since she was 12 weeks old.<

The issue with Lepto is that IF it is in your area, they could be pretty much shut down if they don't require vaccines since they would be liable for not safeguarding their clients.
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Leptospirosis.aspx

Dogs can become infected and develop leptospirosis if their mucous membranes (or skin with any wound, such as a cut or scrape) come into contact with infected urine, urine-contaminated soil, water, food or bedding; through a bite from an infected animal<<

So okay I can see that. But the heartworm 2x a year? Manufacturers say if given year round, ever 2 yrs testing. Vets and other places do it because they think we are too stupid/cheap/lazy/whatever to actually give it each month.

You might want to check your state regulations. Some have stupid licensing laws, so it may not be their fault. I suspect it's more likely insurance issues, but worth finding out.

Pat, I respect your right to decide. But lepto is getting worse, and I'd rather be safe. I don't vaccinate Cara, but when I had my Rotties and took them to my friend's horse farm with its creeks and water and wildlife, I absolutely did.

http://www.akc.org/news/recent-cases-leptospirosis/

LifewithAva

@DebraDownSouth

I believe Lepto cases have upticked a bit here, but the state doesn't require the vaccine and most vets and kennels don't, either. My vet doesn't recommend Lepto unless a dog lives or spends time in more rural areas. The new daycare requirements probably are for liability/insurance reasons. I'm all for protecting dogs, but Ava has a bad reaction to vaccines and injections so I try to limit everything to only what is absolutely needed.

DebraDownSouth

Which is why I don't do Cara... almost no chance of exposure, poor immune system so negligible chance of vaccine being adequate.

chewy1

My Basenjis have always had lepto vaccinations with no issues. Rabies shots caused swelling in the neck area but was resolved by administering Benadryl.

tanza

@chewy1 said in Lepto vaccine?:

My Basenjis have always had lepto vaccinations with no issues. Rabies shots caused swelling in the neck area but was resolved by administering Benadryl.

Never have, never will give Lepto... Had pups that I placed that the new owners Vets insisted that they had to have Lepto.... horrible reaction every time.... and rabies, I give Benadryl day of, 2 hours before and the every 6 hours through the next day. Usually rabies is given in the hind quarters, been many, many years that it was give in the neck... at least from our vets

chewy1

I can appreciate your concerns regarding the lepto vaccine. In the Bay Area there has been an uptick on lepto fatalities.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- An alarming number of San Francisco dogs are getting sick from a bacteria not typically spread in the city, but the record rain has changed everything.

Gertie, a 13-year-old cattle dog died of the bacterial disease Leptospirosis.

"It came on pretty hard and pretty fast which is the scary part of leptospirosis," said owner Jeannine Giordan. "Before you even know you have it's too late to do anything about it."

Veterinarians in the city are treating more dogs infected with the bacteria than ever before.

At VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists, there have been five documented cases of Leptospirosis in just two months compared to one or two in a typical year. Symptoms include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. The disease is typically spread through the urine of infected wild animals.

All the rain in recent months is likely the reason for the uptick in Leptospirosis cases. The bacteria can live in standing water for days if not months.

Dog owners in San Francisco are now being advised to consider the Leptospirosis vaccine, but there is a catch.

"There are multiple strains of Leptospirosis so this vaccine does not cover all of them," said Elyse Hammer DVM. of the VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists. "But it is our best preventative measure."

Gertie's owner wishes she had known about the vaccine. She's now trying to educate others.

"If I can save one pup from going through this horrible fate, and one owner from the heartbreak I went through, then I did my job," Said Giordan.

Click here for more of ABC7 News' stories, photos and video on pet health.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- An alarming number of San Francisco dogs are getting sick from a bacteria not typically spread in the city, but the record rain has changed everything.