leptospirosis ??

[JessicaK]

So my vet asked me if i wanted to vaccine my pup w/ this new shot they are offering((lepto vaccine)) she gave me paperwork and after reading it over several times & highlighting i decided to made an appointment bc as from what i read there were no cons.. However i want to know what everyone thinks bc i have been searching online for some more info and i read it could turn your dog "lame" .. Fill me in please!!!! Any input?

[LegendsMami]

How old is your pup? I know my dog got this vaccine when he got all the rest of his vaccinations.

[JessicaK]

hes 9months.. I never herd of it before and the fact that they gave me paperwork and asked for my permission i thought was strange i asked my mom and she opted against it ((bc my black lab is 15)) but i love camping and of course my bully comes with me so i figured it would be beneficial

[14rock]

Lepto vaccines are given along with the "regular" puppy shots around my way.

What is the name of this new vaccine, and what makes it diffrent?

[Scotsman]

Depending on where you live Lepto can be common. It also can be fatal if not caught early.
I would do it.

[JessicaK]

On my appt card it says "1st Lepto" So i take it thats what the vaccine is called and from what i remember the vet telling me they said its a new vaccine offered bc is getting spread in our area ((connecticut)) I actually just called my vets office and asked if they had any cons and they said it might make him drowsy for a day.. I just cant understand why they would make this vaccine optional...

[CynthiaATL]

Depends on where you live if you are at risk. It is zoonotic (transmitted to humans) and deadly to both. I would say if you are in a high risk area get it. But if not don't. Over vaccinating can cause problems too. That’s why many Vet colleges are going to 3 yr DA2PPV after the puppy vaccines and after the 1 yr boosters.

I would check with your local health department and see what is high risk in your area.

Some vet hospitals like Banfield vaccinate for everything even if you do not need it. Example Giardia when that vaccine does not prevent giardia just lessens the symptoms.

At my clinic we do not routinly vaccinate for it. But we have it if we need it. The Dr does it on case by case. Depending where the owner lives or if the owner travels to areas where there is a higher risk

[miakoda]

In 2005 & 2006 we diagnosed & treated over 20 cases of leptospirosis. It may not seem like a lot, but it is. Especially when every dog died.

Not to mention that it's highly contagious to humans.

The northwest had a large outbreak a few years back in dogs & there was an even larger outbreak in humans I believe back in '04.

I personally vaccinate for it.