Veterinarians across the Halifax Regional Municipality are raising concern over a ‘significant spike’ in a deadly bacteria that can be life-threatening to dogs.
Dr. Samantha Wambolt, a Halifax veterinarian, told Global News that Leptospirosis, commonly known as ‘lepto’ is a bacteria that causes a severe infection.
“Essentially where we get this bacteria, is it’s found in the urine of infected animals like wildlife, mostly rats and raccoons,” said Wambolt.
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One dog who narrowly escaped the deadly effects of lepto, is four-year-old mixed breed, Wesley.
“He had diarrhea, he wasn’t eating, he wasn’t drinking and then all of a sudden he just started vomiting and it wasn’t just like one vomit, it was like 11 times,” said Andrew Prisciak, Wesley’s owner.
Wambolt says the bacteria can quickly become life-threatening.
“I’ve personally seen about four or five cases and I’ve had two or three of those actually pass. Even with the Metro Animal Emergency Clinic, they’ve made announcements as well, that they’ve been seeing an influx of cases this year. I believe they’ve seen somewhere between 20 and 30 cases,” said Wambolt.
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While the vet community isn’t sure what’s causing the increase in lepto cases, there is a vaccine that protects against some strains of the bacteria.
“There are many different types of lepto, now the vaccine for lepto itself only covers four different types, however, it’s the best protection that we can give at this time,” said Wambolt.
Despite the close call, Wesley has managed to recover from his symptoms.