Overview: Welfare assessment for leptospirosis in dogs, a serious bacterial infection affecting kidneys and liver.
Key Welfare Facts
Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic Leptospira bacteria spread through contact with contaminated water or wildlife urine.
Infection causes acute kidney injury, liver disease, uveitis, and haemorrhage, often progressing rapidly.
Affected dogs may show fever, vomiting, jaundice, and painful abdomen indicating severe internal organ damage.
Early antibiotic treatment with penicillin or doxycycline dramatically improves outcome when started promptly.
Vaccination with bivalent or quadrivalent vaccines is highly effective and recommended for dogs at risk.
Urban foxes and rats are the primary wildlife reservoir in UK environments, making urban dogs at significant risk.
Welfare Assessment
Leptospirosis causes intense suffering and can be fatal without prompt treatment. Annual vaccination of at-risk dogs is among the most important preventive welfare measures, particularly for dogs with access to water environments or wildlife.
What You Can Do
Vaccinate dogs annually against leptospirosis, especially those with water or wildlife exposure
Avoid allowing dogs to drink from or swim in stagnant or slow-moving water
Seek emergency veterinary attention for any dog showing fever and jaundice
Handle sick dogs carefully and inform your vet of the possible diagnosis for protective precautions