Leptospirosis - YorkieTalk.com Forums

akima · 02-12-2012, 02:25 PM

My little Winnie is going for her final boosters on tuesday, on our last visit to the vet, she (the vet) suggested we consider giving her the Leptospirosis vaccine and gave us an information sheet. I was just wondering if this is somethign my puppy really needs?? Any oppinions??

Chantal n Winnie

Lovetodream88 · 02-12-2012, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akima

My little Winnie is going for her final boosters on tuesday, on our last visit to the vet, she (the vet) suggested we consider giving her the Leptospirosis vaccine and gave us an information sheet. I was just wondering if this is somethign my puppy really needs?? Any oppinions??

Chantal n Winnie

I think it would depend on weather there have been cases of it where you live if not then I wouldn't get it.

Maximo · 02-12-2012, 02:35 PM

I believe you have to weigh the risks and benefits of the vaccine, assess your pup's lifestyle (exposure potential), and consider the number of cases in your region. These are things to discuss with your vet.

I have chosen not to have my boys vaccinated for it, but lepto is very much on my mind when we are out walking and the boys are sniffing where carriers of lepto may have been.

The lepto vaccine, like others, covers a limited number of strains of the dreadful disease. A vaccination does not fully protect from all lepto. My other complaint is that I have read varying opinions on how often it should be given to be effective. Many sources say more often than once a year.

Ellie May · 02-12-2012, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximo

I believe you have to weigh the risks and benefits of the vaccine, assess your pup's lifestyle (exposure potential), and consider the number of cases in your region. These are things to discuss with your vet.

I have chosen not to have my boys vaccinated for it, but lepto is very much on my mind when we are out walking and the boys are sniffing where carriers of lepto may have been.

The lepto vaccine, like others, covers a limited number of strains of the dreadful disease. A vaccination does not fully protect from all lepto. My other complaint is that I have read varying opinions on how often it should be given to be effective. Many sources say more often than once a year.

This.

Lepto can be very serious. It is zoonotic. Some strains can easily kill a dog, esp. if not caught in time. But vaccines don't protect against all strains. And the vaccine does cause quite a few very serious reactions, esp. in small dogs.

This is something to discuss with your vet. Ultimately, follow your heart after talking to them. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer.

My girl had a very serious reaction to the lepto vaccine. She is obviously no longer vaccinated for it. My other (16 lb) dog came vaccinated. I will continue to do so. Our vet office doesn't really routinely vaccinate the littles for it, but it just depends. If I were to get another tiny dog, I'd put a lot of thought into it. Depending on how much we were going to be outside, I'd strongly consider getting it. But it's a verrrrrrrrrry prevalent problem in Michigan.

And if a pup gets lepto-like symptoms and ends up hospitalized if those symptoms are severe, they will end up in isolation. A lot of stress on everyone...

107barney · 02-12-2012, 05:27 PM

We have done lepto in the past. We no longer do this vaccine, and have never done it to our youngest dog. I remain concerned about them contracting the disease, but I think the vaccine has too many downsides for me to ever give it again.

MyTrixie143 · 02-12-2012, 07:17 PM

I agree with the others. It is a personal decision you have to make. None of mine get vaccinated for it. It would be different if lepto wasn't so well known for bad reactions in small dogs and if covered more strains of lepto than it actually does. So just getting the vaccine may not prevent your dog from getting it.

I do want to add though, if you decide to get it, get it done separately from their regular dhpp shot or rabies shot. It will cost more this way but at least you aren't overwhelming their system with some many vaccines in one sitting. And I would have the vet pre-medicate as well before giving the vaccine to prevent a reaction.

Roccosmommy · 02-12-2012, 07:23 PM

Rocco had an extremely bad reaction to his Lepto vaccine, and won't have it again. Ask your vet to weigh the options with you based on where you live. IF you decide to go ahead with the vaccine, I would ask the vet to allow you to stay at the office for about 1/2 hour to be sure there's no reaction - if there is, the vet can immediately administer a shot to stop the reaction.

Britster · 02-12-2012, 08:03 PM

Jackson also had an extreme reaction to the vaccine as a pup and it was very scary. Vomiting, legs gave out, couldn't control movement. Had to rush him back to vet. No more for him ever again.

Quiverful · 02-13-2012, 06:30 AM

We talked it over with our vet and chose to do this vaccine for Tink. We did it separately and waited in the vet office afterwards. Tink did fine with it. We live in a rural area, our property is mostly wooded and she goes tons of places with me.

Good luck!

CouversMom · 02-14-2012, 10:24 AM

We have chosen not to give the lepto vaccine, but like Kristin said... You have to assess your own lifestyle along with the risks and benefits and decide for yourself.

dawn27 · 02-14-2012, 11:43 AM

Although we live in a suburbs right outside of town there are still many wild animals that roam our back yards that have the potential to carry the disease. My pups will eat the poo, plus we go camping in the summer which is also an added factor in making the decision to have our dogs vaccinated against it.

chachi · 02-14-2012, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawn27

Although we live in a suburbs right outside of town there are still many wild animals that roam our back yards that have the potential to carry the disease. My pups will eat the poo, plus we go camping in the summer which is also an added factor in making the decision to have our dogs vaccinated against it.

I live right outside of downtown Indianapolis a major city and its a concrete jungle here and we still get raccoons and possums in our yard. Mine get the vaccine and they havent had any problems with it

MikaTallulah · 02-14-2012, 11:53 AM

I'm an over vaccinator. There are so many things I can't control so if I can prevent an illness I'm all for it.

Lovetodream88 · 02-14-2012, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikaTallulah

I'm an over vaccinator. There are so many things I can't control so if I can prevent an illness I'm all for it.

I am so with you on that!

Britster · 02-14-2012, 07:31 PM

Over-vaccinating is definitely more harmful than under-vaccinating. Lots of studies out to prove this. Of course, I believe in vaccines - I would never not give any at all. But vaccinating year after year for everything under the sun is NOT beneficial to a dog.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-not-give.html

02-12-2012, 02:25 PM	#1
akima Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: toronto, ontario, canada Posts: 122	Leptospirosis My little Winnie is going for her final boosters on tuesday, on our last visit to the vet, she (the vet) suggested we consider giving her the Leptospirosis vaccine and gave us an information sheet. I was just wondering if this is somethign my puppy really needs?? Any oppinions?? Chantal n Winnie

02-12-2012, 02:35 PM	#3
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,047	I believe you have to weigh the risks and benefits of the vaccine, assess your pup's lifestyle (exposure potential), and consider the number of cases in your region. These are things to discuss with your vet. I have chosen not to have my boys vaccinated for it, but lepto is very much on my mind when we are out walking and the boys are sniffing where carriers of lepto may have been. The lepto vaccine, like others, covers a limited number of strains of the dreadful disease. A vaccination does not fully protect from all lepto. My other complaint is that I have read varying opinions on how often it should be given to be effective. Many sources say more often than once a year. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

02-12-2012, 05:27 PM	#5
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	We have done lepto in the past. We no longer do this vaccine, and have never done it to our youngest dog. I remain concerned about them contracting the disease, but I think the vaccine has too many downsides for me to ever give it again. __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

02-12-2012, 07:17 PM	#6
MyTrixie143 Mom to 6 Beautiful Furkids Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,409	I agree with the others. It is a personal decision you have to make. None of mine get vaccinated for it. It would be different if lepto wasn't so well known for bad reactions in small dogs and if covered more strains of lepto than it actually does. So just getting the vaccine may not prevent your dog from getting it. I do want to add though, if you decide to get it, get it done separately from their regular dhpp shot or rabies shot. It will cost more this way but at least you aren't overwhelming their system with some many vaccines in one sitting. And I would have the vet pre-medicate as well before giving the vaccine to prevent a reaction. __________________ A dog is a furry person! http://www.dogster.com/?300866 Tracey and the gang DestinyHarmonyScamperGracieLillieKiwi Hershey Peppi

02-12-2012, 07:23 PM	#7
Roccosmommy Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,293	Rocco had an extremely bad reaction to his Lepto vaccine, and won't have it again. Ask your vet to weigh the options with you based on where you live. IF you decide to go ahead with the vaccine, I would ask the vet to allow you to stay at the office for about 1/2 hour to be sure there's no reaction - if there is, the vet can immediately administer a shot to stop the reaction. __________________ "The little furry buggers are just deep, deep wells you throw all your emotions into." ~ Bruce Schimmel

02-12-2012, 08:03 PM	#8
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,815	Jackson also had an extreme reaction to the vaccine as a pup and it was very scary. Vomiting, legs gave out, couldn't control movement. Had to rush him back to vet. No more for him ever again. __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier

02-13-2012, 06:30 AM	#9
Quiverful Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: West Virginia Posts: 146	We talked it over with our vet and chose to do this vaccine for Tink. We did it separately and waited in the vet office afterwards. Tink did fine with it. We live in a rural area, our property is mostly wooded and she goes tons of places with me. Good luck!

02-14-2012, 10:24 AM	#10
CouversMom and Khloe Mae's too! Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Eastern Washington Posts: 14,732	We have chosen not to give the lepto vaccine, but like Kristin said... You have to assess your own lifestyle along with the risks and benefits and decide for yourself. __________________ Michelle- mommy to Couver and Khloe Mae! http://yorkiehavenrescue.com/

02-14-2012, 11:43 AM	#11
dawn27 2+2=4 X the Love ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bean Town Ohio Posts: 9,456 Blog Entries: 1	Although we live in a suburbs right outside of town there are still many wild animals that roam our back yards that have the potential to carry the disease. My pups will eat the poo, plus we go camping in the summer which is also an added factor in making the decision to have our dogs vaccinated against it. __________________ Mommy to: Quincy, & Ruby Bella / Miah & Brandi Gone but Never Forgotten Visit: Bella Dawns for all of your Custom Pet Wear needs.

02-14-2012, 11:53 AM	#13
MikaTallulah YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 1,812	I'm an over vaccinator. There are so many things I can't control so if I can prevent an illness I'm all for it. __________________ Beware of Nestle Purina Cozy (4/06), Roxy & Zoey (2/08), Lucy (4/09); Buddy 4/09- Rescued 12/11); Mika ('98) & Tallulah ('00) RIP Harley 4/2009; Lucky 11/2010; Zoey 4/2012

02-14-2012, 07:31 PM	#15
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,815	Over-vaccinating is definitely more harmful than under-vaccinating. Lots of studies out to prove this. Of course, I believe in vaccines - I would never not give any at all. But vaccinating year after year for everything under the sun is NOT beneficial to a dog. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-not-give.html __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier