Possible Lepto...test or go ahead and treat it?

[Yvonne N]

Over the past severl weeks Astro has had severe bouts of what we call the poopy flu.  Found nothing in initial exam, fecal test and Cocc test.  Treated him as if he picked up something in daycare.  He was doing great until he ended his meds and then it came back strong.  Put him back on the meds for a longer course and then one week into he starts up again and also presents with vomitting.  Off to the vet we go.  After major blood work checking Kidneys, Liver, Pancrease, Electrolights, etc....and xrays....and $$$ everything checks out glowingly.  Also did fecals again.  Presenting intestines full of gas and tenderness but nothing wrong with his labs.  Next to test would be Lepto and Addison's.  Nothing in his labs suggest Addison's be he shows some symptoms as he does for Lepto and yes we have had wildlife in the yard recently.  After a day of being poked and prodded I agree with the vet to go ahead and treat for Lepto...four weeks of meds and no dog contact vs doing the test.  Is that silly to do?  The vet kept blood in case I changed my mind overnight to run the test. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I wouldn't worry about kisses; it's the other end that would most likely be the source of human infection, lol.
From Wikipedia:
Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from these infected animals. This may happen by swallowing contaminated food or water, or through skin contact. The disease is not known to be spread from person to person and cases of bacterial dissemination in convalescence are extremely rare in humans. Leptospirosis is common among water-sport enthusiasts in specific areas as prolonged immersion in water is known to promote the entry of the bacteria. Surfers and whitewater paddlers [7] are at especially high risk in areas that have been shown to contain the bacteria, and can contract the disease by swallowing contaminated water, splashing contaminated water into their eyes or nose, or exposing open wounds to infected water.[8] Occupations at risk include veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, farmers, sewer workers, and people working on derelict buildings, rowers are also sometimes known to contact the disease.[5]

[shelly]

Oh boy! I think I'm going to make a gigantic bubble ~ just how did we all survive into adulthood???

[F, Calla & Luca]

I give my dogs the shots. My vet has had dogs die of lepto in her practice. Also, who doesn't have at least small rodents pass through the yard?

[Adina P]

I hope he's better soon!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!!

[Pat & "Tucker"]

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&am...
Yvonne- her e is the fact sheet from CDC- tells you how to prevent spread etc. if in fact this is lepto.
Keep us updated

[Yvonne N]

Thank you all so much. I knew I could count on my DK friends.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Well this is disturbing. Poor Astro Boy. Let us know how things are coming along.
So this has me wondering. If I were to look at all the shot records for my dogs would it say Lepto Vac? Or would it be abbreviated something else?
I have No idea if my dogs have been vaccinated for Lepto but it would be good to ask next month when we go back considering they swim, deer come to the yard each evening , and if we keep hanging bones in the tree ( not me ) we could certainly attract a racoon at 12.

If anyone knows how it is abbreviated let me know. I really can't find it here.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It is listed as Lepto Annual Vaccine on my vet bill.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think that sometimes it's included in the vaccine cocktails, along with the vaccine for parvo, corona virus, etc. but I'm not sure.

[shelly]

I think Tori had this cocktail and that's what caused the reaction last year.... but she also had the 3 year Rabi shot then too.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Cocktails--weren't there 4 and now 5 in these formulas? I'm going to have to pay much better attention and ask some questions next visit.