RSPCA NSW Offering Free Leptospirosis Vaccines For Your Dog

A few weeks ago, Leptospirosis started popping up in our feeds and on the news.

This is a bacterial infection that can affect your dog. It has led to several deaths of Sydney dogs and is on the rise because of the current rat issue. The good news is you can get your dogs vaccinated and the legends at the RSPCA are offering FREE vaccines for leptospirosis (C2i) with every annual or triannual vaccination (C3, C4 or C5) booking at RSPCA Sydney Veterinary Hospital from 27 July to 31 August 2019. To help the spread of the disease they are also offering proactive vaccinations for leptospirosis at a reduced fee of $30. Bookings are compulsory and you can contact the team on (02) 9770 7575.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection and is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmissible between animals and to humans. The bacteria (genus leptospira) favours warm, moist environments, and stagnant areas of water such as ponds. 

Rats are typically responsible for the continued contamination of the environment through their infected urine and tissue.  Dogs may become infected, as incidental hosts, through contact with infected surfaces in food, water and bedding. Leptospira may penetrate the dog’s mucous membranes (gums), abrasions or broken skin. The incubation period is approximately seven days before they show symptoms.

Leptospirosis may be suspected if your dog has had any contact with rats or stagnant water and displays clinical signs of vomiting, lethargy and diarrhoea. Please seek immediate veterinary attention should any of your pets present the above signs, as the disease is fatal if left untreated

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