Protecting pet dogs possible with vaccine

Bacterial infection sickening dogs in Phoenix area

A bacterial infection is sickening dogs in the Phoenix area, killing at least three and making 50 ill, according to a report on AZCentral.com.

The culprit is Leptospirosis, bacteria that is found worldwide in soil and water, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The illness can occur in a variety of scenarios, the AVMA notes, including exposure to or drinking from rivers, lakes or streams, exposure to potentially infected wildlife, farm animals or water sources; exposure to wild animal or farm animal species, and contact with rodents or other dogs.

The Associated Press reports that the Arizona Department of Agriculture normally sees about four cases of the illness each year, so the 50 cases in the Phoenix area are unusual.

ABC15 in Phoenix notes that Scottsdale has been hardest hit, but cases have also been reported in Phoenix, Gilbert, Tempe, Litchfield Park, Fountain Hills and Avondale. Infection occurs when a dog’s mucous membranes or any wounds come in contact with infected urine, or urine-contaminated items, or through a bite from an infected animal or eating infected tissues or carcasses, the AVMA reports.

But how would one know if one’s dog was sick? The AVMA reports symptoms include fever, shivering, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, changes in urination, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice, swollen legs and bleeding disorders.

And unfortunately, this is one of those illnesses that can be passed from owners to pets, although the risk of such transmission is low, the AVMA notes. However, there is some good news. The bacterium is curable with antibiotics, especially when it is caught early.

There is also a vaccination available for it, so if your dog tends to spend a lot of time outside, or if you travel often to the Phoenix area with your pet, it is worth talking to your veterinarian, and finding out what you need to do to best protect your canine family members.

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