lepto
 

The lepto shot is probably one of the most controversial shots for yorkies. I am looking for advice about this vaccine. My vet tells me that he has seen lepto in our area and strongly advises the shot. He understands my fears of it and knows that many small dog owners are afraid of it. He says he has never had a dog get lepto that has had the shot, but has had dogs get lepto that didn't get it and therefore once again reccomends the vaccine.
I am so TORN UP about this vaccine!!! My breeder friends absolutely hate it, and have had dogs die from it when there was no other factor involved other than the shot. I live on 4 acres and there is deer, raccoon, etc, that frequent my yard where I walk my 9 yorkies. I protect my furbabies from everything, feed them the best I can, treat them like kings and queens, but this is one subject that I just don't know what to do.
My older yorkies have had the shot once before and did not react to it. I have 2 young yorkies that my breeder friend has told me not to get the lepto for.(If I get them the lepto shot, she says the contract for them is void).
Can anyone give me any input about this vaccine? I live in western Pa, near Pittsburgh.
Thanks!

Sounds like you're in between a rock and a hard place... I would never give the vaccine and my vet would never give it, but we don't have lepto around here.

I really apologize, but I don't think I'm much help here at all. I hope someone can answer your question or give you better insight!

Well Madison just got her's a couple of weeks ago. She got the 4 way shot (or what ever it's called) I told my vet I didn't want it, she talked me into it.:rolleyes: I need to be tougher:cool: Anyway, thank the good lord above she acted normal afterwards. This probably sounds mean, but I was kinda looking forward to her being sleepy and out of it for awhile so I could actually hold her.:rolleyes: But nope, she's just constantly going 90 mph.:p I have heard horror stories, luckily not for us!! Good luck too you:)

It's usually not the first shot that causes the reaction, but the second or even third shot. The first shot cause the body to develop antibodies against the virus which trigger the allergic reaction the next time.

I'm not sure whether Baxter had the lepto shot. I'm sure it's on his papers, but my roommate's dad is a vet and I trust him with anything regarding Baxter. Personally, if the vet is telling me to get them their shots, I would do it. But I put a lot of faith into my physicians and Baxter's physicians. I haven't done much research on the lepto shot, but my personal opinion would be to follow the doctor's order. :rolleyes:

Since you live in a rural area, it sounds like your Yorkies are at risk for lepto. We've seen a couple of cases on a Maltese forum I belong to and it's a devastating disease.

If I were in your situation, I would get the lepto vaccine, but make sure to give it separately, not in a combo shot. I would also pre-treat with Benedryl and make very sure to stay at your vet's at for least a half hour after the shot is given.

I believe Fort Dodge makes the individual lepto vaccines. You can call Revival and get it through them, then have your vet administer it.

Revival Animal Health Products for Pet Professionals, Veterinarians and Pet Lovers

Not to sound stupid, but what is lepto? Chance is my first dog. I don't know alot about them. Thanks, Sandy

I think this is the best answer that there is.
The lepto vaccine can be very dangerous.
Lepto itself can be very dangerous.
There is just no one answer for all dogs even that live in an area with lepto present. I don't want to say whether I would or wouldn't give it but if you "are" going to give it, I believe the pup should be 16 weeks minimum and it should be given separately from all other vaccines.

Lepto is a bacteria present in some rat, racoon, etc. urine. It is a serious disease and can be transferred to humans.

I empathize with you. Lepto was reported less then a mile away from my house. So far my vet is treating two cases.
The current vaccines, carry approximately 4 serovars of the 80+ varieties of lepto that is out there.
However, one of the 4 serovars is "Icterohaemorraghiae", which is what the two dogs were infected with in my area.
Cats are also a factor, they can be carriers exhibiting no signs or symptoms.
The JVM has published information stating the lepto may be picked up off the dew from infected grass.

It is a tough decision, either way.
All I can say, is research, and then make a decision based on what you find out there.

Below is a link with information about specific strains;

LINK

:thumbup::thumbup:

I am in the same situation as I live in PA as well. I know there have been local cases as discussed with my vet. When I first got Mayzie, I didn't know much about the vaccine. Mayzie did not react on the first go round but as Ladymom posted it was the second dose that Mayzie did have a reaction and it scared me to death. I hadn't even made it home that day before I had to turn around with her and head back to the vet. Needless to say, my vet will not give it to her now. Neither one of my yorkies are covered for it. Because of this, they don't go to parks etc.

It's a tough decision to make. Good luck.