The Ashland Animal Hospital is now recommending Leptospirosis ("Lepto") vaccination for our canine patients. Although Lepto is not a new disease it is definitely on the rise in our area. Currently both Tufts Veterinary School and Angell Memorial Animal Hospital have changed their vaccination protocols to include this vaccine.

     Lepto is a bacterial disease that is carried by common wildlife and rodents.  This disease causes high fever, jaundice, vomiting, and in severe cases, fatal liver and kidney damage. Current vaccines against canine Lepto have been available for many years and offer protection against two different strains of the disease. However recent research has shown that other strains of lepto have emerged. Older Lepto vaccines had several problems. First, the vaccines did not contain the local strains of Leptosira found in this area. Secondly, the vaccine had to be administered every six months. And lastly, vaccine reactions were common.

       A new vaccine has been introduced that offers dogs protection against the older strains of Lepto and two additional strains, L. grippotyphosa and L. pomona.  This vaccine is more appropriate for this area, can be given yearly, and has a lower reaction rate. We are now using the new Lepto vaccine to protect your dog from this dangerous disease. Canine Leptospirosis is a dangerous threat to dogs, and we are now recommending this new vaccine for our canine patients.

      The vaccine is given in a two-dose series. Your dog will receive an initial dose of vaccine followed by a booster given two to three weeks.  After this initial series, the vaccine will be given as part of your dog's annual vaccinations.

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