DR BRUCE CHARD

contact@northharbourvet.co.nz I have adopted a 6-month-old terrier cross dog. He has had two vaccinations for distemper and parvo and kennel cough but not for leptospirosis. What is leptospirosis and should he be vaccinated against it?

Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria called leptospira. It can infect many animals, including livestock as well as humans, hence the importance of vaccination in dogs. If infected, dogs can suffer from liver and kidney inflammation and sometimes die. The main leptospira strain that infects dogs is spread by rats so there is a risk to all dogs. Testing shows dogs are exposed to infection all around New Zealand. As dogs may be infected by strains that are not covered by the existing vaccine it is best to seek advice from your vet.

Although my 10-year-old cat, Buster, is in good health I am worried about kidney disease. I understand that many cats die from kidney failure.

Chronic kidney disease is common in cats. At least one third of cats die from kidney disease whereas only one 10th of dogs do. The kidney’s function is to filter impurities out of the blood and keep the urine concentrated. The first sign of kidney disease in cats is usually drinking more water and passing dilute urine. Often then appetite lessens and the cat loses weight. There is a new blood test available that can detect kidney damage in cats when only 40 per cent of the kidney function is lost versus 75 per cent from traditional tests. Once diagnosed it is possible to feed a prescription diet which is proven to lengthen life. Also use drugs to lower blood pressure and treat anaemia. Buster should have blood and urine tests done to have base values should he develop signs of kidney disease later.