Beware the rats
Disease at Mass and Cass poses health threat to dogs
While the Boston Public Health Commission investigates the outbreak of a nasty rat-borne disease in the area of Mass and Cass, dog owners might want to check in with their veterinarians. The bacterial infection under examination — leptospirosis — poses a threat to dogs that can be deadly if left untreated.
“It’s a high enough risk in the city that we advise a lot of our dog patients be vaccinated for leptospirosis,” veterinarian Dr. Brian Bourquin said.
The BPHC sent out a memo to first responders and clinicians over the weekend that they were investigating a human case of leptospirosis originating from the encampments at Mass and Cass, an area of the South End coined Methadone Mile. Homeless populations are at a serious risk for contracting the bacterial infection, which is transmitted through rodent urine.
But dogs are also susceptible. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public health, there are various way a dog can catch the infection.
“Your pet may have come into contact with it by drinking contaminated water (water with the bacteria), swimming in it, or walking through it. Dogs may also pass this disease to each other.”
Bourquin, who runs Boston Veterinary Clinic, encourages dog owners to talk to their vet about vaccinating their furry family members. The vaccine available for leptospirosis isn’t considered a “core vaccine,” so pet owners may not be aware it exists. It’s not 100% effective against all strains of the bacteria, Bourquin said, but it can proactively save a dog’s life if they’re exposed. If untreated, the infection can wreak havoc on a dog’s kidney and liver function.
“I know dogs who end up on dialysis, and dogs who don’t make it. Then, there are dogs who are probably exposed and fine,” he said.
The decision to vaccinate should be based on a conversation in the vet’s office about the dog’s lifestyle, Bourquin said.
“I walk my dogs in the alleys, which are like racetracks for rats,” he said.
And dogs who are infected with leptospirosis do risk transmitting it to their owners. The illness itself can be hard to identify in canines.
“Sadly, leptospirosis can look like anything. That’s what makes it such a tricky disease. If your dog doesn’t look healthy, bring them to the vet. It can be something really serious,” Bourquin said.