Veterinarians have recently issued a critical alert for dog owners, highlighting a troubling uptick in a rare yet fatal bacterial infection that has surfaced in at least two regions.
Numerous cases of leptospirosis have been recorded in Sydney and the Lake Macquarie area of New South Wales in the last few months. This outbreak has already resulted in the deaths of two dogs and left a 12-week-old puppy in a dire situation.
Leptospirosis, which can spread through contact with the urine of infected animals like rodents, has also been identified in the Northern Territory. This disease poses serious health risks, potentially causing irreversible internal harm or even death.
Following the recent torrential downpours along Australia’s eastern coastline, pet insurance companies have issued a swift caution to dog owners. They advise avoiding areas with ponds and puddles during walks, as these could harbor the dangerous bacteria.
Emma Bagnall raced her lively 12-week-old puppy, Storm, to the veterinarian last month after noticing concerning symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, following a sudden change in the pup’s usual behavior.
The Swiss Shepherd had been struck down with leptospirosis, leaving him critically ill.
Emma Bagnall was told to expect for the worst after her puppy Storm became critically ill
Vets prepared the fitness trainer for the worst and warned her beloved pooch might not make it through the first night.
‘They didn’t want us to go through with treatment and really pushed the other option,’ Ms Bagnall told NBN News.
‘I couldn’t bear it.’
Storm spent more than week in intensive care at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital in Sydney battling kidney and liver failure, as well as jaundice, according to an online fundraiser set up by Ms Bagnall.
She recently spoke out to make other pet owners aware and stay vigilant for symptoms, including lethargy, vomiting, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and jaundiced or yellow gums.
It’s understood Storm likely picked up the disease from rats in a creek at the family property at Speers Point in the Lake Macquarie region.
Swiss Shepherd puppy Storm is lucky to be alive after being struck down with leptospirosis
The disease hadn’t been prevalent in the area since the 1950s, according to Cardiff Veterinary Clinic’s Andrew Cornwell.
Storm’s harrowing ordeal has prompted the clinic to urge all pet owners to get their pooches vaccinated against the serious disease.
Puppies require two shots at six and nine months while adult dogs need a booster every 12 months.
Pet Insurance Australia has seen claims for up to $3000 to treat the disease in pets in last 12 months.
‘We strongly advise dog owners, particularly those in rain-affected areas around Australia to seek this vaccination from their local veterinarian,’ the insurer’s Nadia Crighton told 7news.com.au.
‘This is certainly becoming a big problem and pet owners do need to be vigilant in keeping their pets safe.’
Sydney Animal Hospital also recently issued an urgent warning after the tragic deaths of two dogs on the northern beaches and in the city’s inner-west.
‘With the risk of more rodents being around due to the current plague, dogs may come into contact with leptospirosis through contaminated stagnant water, such as in ponds or puddles, or through any direct contact with rodents,’ the clinic warned on its website.
‘Furthermore, the organism can survive for up to two months in stagnant water if conditions are favourable.’
Storm’s harrowing ordeal (pictured with his owner) has sparked renewed warning for pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated against the disease
‘If your dog lives in, or visits areas impacted by rats or mice, then they are at risk from leptospirosis and need to be vaccinated.
‘It is important to keep your dog on a lead after rain to prevent drinking from puddles.’
NT Health Director of the Centre for Disease Control, Dr Vicki Krause recently warned of cases detected in animals and humans in the Top End.
An outbreak during last year’s wet season of 13 cases, mostly among workers in the cattle industry.
At least six cases have already been in the territory so far in 2022.
‘Infection may occur through exposure to an animal or contaminated water, mud, soil or vegetation – especially after heavy rains during the wet season,’ Dr Krause said.
Storm (pictured) isn’t out of the woods yet and in intensive care at a specialist clinic in Sydney