Lepto Vaccine for Doxies?

My adopted dog (mini-dachshund) has had the basic vaccinations, but not one for Lepto, is that really necessary? My breeder said Doxies have bad reactions to the Lepto vaccine. She is now 4 years old and would rather not take the chance unless it is really necessary.

  • Vetinfo

    By: Christina M. Erskine El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    Leptospirosis is a disease that is transmitted from infected wildlife such as a rat or squirrel either by direct or indirect contact with a health animal. The bacteria can be transmitted to a healthy animal if the healthy animal comes in direct contact with the infected animals bodily fluids such as their urine, milk, saliva or blood. Indirect infections can occur when the healthy animal come in contact with infectious and contaminated, food and water, soil and bedding materials. Therefore, if your animal is not vaccinated your dog can potentially be at risk for infection. On a side note you can also be at risk too, because Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease meaning if you come in contact with your infectious dogs bodily fluids or solid bedding you could ultimately catch this disease. Depending on your geological location, will determine your dogs risk assesment based on the potential for coming in contact with this disease. In general dogs in the east coast are more likely to be exposed than the west coast, but ultimately it should be your veterinarians discretion if your dog need the injection. It is true that small breed dogs such as mini dachshunds are at higher risk to having a reaction to the vaccine. Therefore, you and your Veterinarian should assess your potential of exposure. Questions to ask your self are, Is there high amounts of the disease in your area, does your dog go on walks and come in contact with other animals or wildlife often, drink from community water bowls, ponds or puddles? The higher the risk of exposure the higher risk of catching the disease, and the more reason to vaccinate. To prevent reactions to the vaccine for the smaller breeds, your veterinarian can pre dose your dog with a Benadryl injection 10 minutes prior to the vaccine. Waiting 10 minutes at the clinic after the vaccine will also be beneficial to see if your dog will react. It is important to know that not all dachshunds or small breed dogs react, therefore it is hard to tell if your dog will or will not react to the vaccine. If your dog does react it is usually right away, you might see swelling of the snout, wheezing, vomiting, fatigue, or collapse. If reaction occurs even if the dog has been pre dosed with Benadryl the veterinarian will most likely discard the Lepto from the vaccine protocol and my recommend you lessen the potential of exposure by changing your lifestyle. Christina, Vet Tech

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