possible canine leptosporsis outbreak in Bloomingdale

From: Nextdoor Eckington

Date: November 16, 2013 at 8:06:16 PM EST

Subject: "Possible Leptosporsis outbreak"

Reply-To: Nextdoor Eckington

         

Bloomingdale Nov 16

                                                      

Two dogs died in the past week in the same block in Bloomingdale. Both threw up heavily before dying. Their vets have not confirmed cause of death, but it sounds like Leptosporsis. Two years ago in the fall, two dogs in Bloomingdale died from Lepto, so the time of year is similar.

First, no one should ever let their dogs drink water in bowls left outside--at dog parks, outside stores, etc.--or drink from puddles, etc. Leptosporsis is transmitted through rat droppings, primarily in water.

Next, even if your dog gets an annual Lepto shot--which all dogs should--it only covers 3 or 4 of the 7 strains of Lepto. The rats around here seem to have the strains not covered by the shots.

Finally, if your dog starts throwing up heavily, rush to the vet IMMEDIATELY. The only way a dog can be saved--and it's not a guarantee the dog will be saved--is if the dog is taken to the vet immediately after the dog starts throwing up.

Sending this in the hope no more dogs around here will die from Lepto.