leptospirosis / jaundice

[cherokee03]

Hi just wondered if any other dog owner had this problem. My J R cross, 5yo, has been ill for the last 3 days, didnt think it was anything to serious, so i just gave her water. took her 2 the vets today as she started limping. They've kept her in to do tests, she's jaundiced, with a temerature of 103, vet thought it could be leptospirosis. but my shnauzer is ok, and they go everywhwere together, surley if 1 had it so would the other. wouldnt it ????

[kita1]

It depends on the animals antibody status.

Were both dogs vaccinated at the same time? Lepto. vaccination actually only lasts for approx. 8 months.

Maybe the first dog did not have as many antibodies in her system as your other dog and so was not able to fight off the condition.

Did the vet mention that it can be passed to humans? You have to be careful that you did not come into contact with the urine etc. if it turns out that your dog has it then you have to be careful when cleaning up after it when you get the dog back.

This article explains about the disease:

http://www.provet.co.uk/health/diseases/Lepto. htm

[cherokee03]

Thanks for the reply, they did say that it can be passed to humans, although they haven't confirmed that it is lepro, she's being kept in tonight again, hopfully get an answer tomorrow...

[lankeela]

Are there any rats around (being a JR cross this is an occupational hazard - read the thread on Animals and Nature).

Rats carry Lepto and if the dog has killed or eaten one, or the rats have peed where the dogs go or on their food supply, or even bones left lying around, they can become infected.

[veritymoon]

i hope your dog is doing ok. the test for lepto can take 14 days when sent away to an external lab so you may not get a answer quickly x

[cherokee03]

no further on yet, wait to see what tomorrow brings. There has been mention of rats about but i can't say i've seen any.. although my shnauzer has caught a couple of young birds in the garden ?

[cherokee03]

just 2 let u know, my jr cross got put 2 sleep 2tay at 3pm. still no answer for definite. Absolutely devasted. No more pets 4 me if the shnauzer goes to my hubby i'm done with pets

[lankeela]

So sorry to read this. You obviously did all you could, and did not let your dog suffer.