The Role of a Veterinarian

When most people hear the word "veterinarian" they think of one or two things, such as their dog or cat's doctor or James Herriot (showing my age here huh?) If they live on a farm, they may also be familiar with the large animal vet who makes farm calls, no matter the time or weather. We got the US Postal Service beat on this one, I can assure you! 

However, as I've said before - probably on here as well as at educational venues I've spoken to - there are SO many more things we do. Things you don't see. Things you don't think about.

Veterinarians, above ALL medical professionals, are the best trained and most knowledgeable about zoonotic diseases - those that can be transmitted between humans and animals. In vet school, we are given numerous examples of cases where animals were either incorrectly blamed or the wrong info was given by well meaning physicians. They just don't know sometimes. Then "Fluffy" ends up at the shelter. For no good reason.

In any case, we have a HUGE role to play. Even those of us in small animal practice. There are a list of diseases that are "reportable" as well as those that are "foreign." These are SERIOUS in their impact - be it economic or health related or BOTH. It was a vet who helped find West Nile Virus. Veterinarians work with and for the CDC, the USDA, the NIH, state health departments and a host of other agencies and private companies to help protect YOU and your family, not just the family pet or the income your farm animals provide. 

They call this concept "one health" because we all get affected by many diseases, toxins and pollutants. Physicians AND veterinarians are on the look out for these diseases or changes in a disease pattern or species.  We can learn from each other how to combat and prevent these diseases too. 

If you are interested in this please go to this website at the AVMA  to learn more.

Leptospirosis: What is it?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection. However, it's not quite THAT simple. There are a number of different subtypes or "serovars."   The vaccines we use get some, but not all that are out there. This is a zoonotic disease, meaning we can acquire it from animals, notably our dogs. Humans can and do acquire this infection apart from dogs too however.

It is, despite not getting the "media hype", the most common zoonotic disease in the world. It is most often carried by rodents and disseminated through their urine into water sources or puddles of water. Humans and other animals contract it via contact with these - licking paws, consuming the water or just splashing and contact with wounds or mucous membranes. 

The "risk" groups as listed by the CDC are as follows:

Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but is most common in temperate or tropical climates. It is an occupational hazard for many people who work outdoors or with animals, such as:

• farmers
• mine workers
• sewer workers
• slaughterhouse workers
• veterinarians and animal caretakers
• fish workers
• dairy farmers
• military personnel

The disease has also been associated with swimming, wading, kayaking, and rafting in contaminated lakes and rivers. As such, it is a recreational hazard for campers or those who participate in outdoor sports. The risk is likely greater for those who participate in these activities in tropical or temperate climates.

In addition, incidence of Leptospirosis infection among urban children appears to be increasing.

Also to note:

It is estimated that 100-200 Leptospirosis cases are identified annually in the United States. About 50% of cases occur in Hawaii.

The largest recorded U.S. outbreak occurred in 1998, when 775 people were exposed to the disease. Of these, 110 became infected.

Although incidence in the United States is relatively low, leptospirosis is considered to be the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world.

Significant increases in incidence have been reported from Peru and Ecuador following heavy rainfall and flooding in the spring of 1998. Thailand has also reported a rapid increase in incidence between 1995 and 2000.

The following article discusses leptospirosis in our dog population. Lepto in dogs

Why do I bring this disease up? Is it something I see often?

Well, no. It is a core part of my vaccination protocols for most dogs. Most. It is definitely out there though. 

This IS something I have seen. It can be fatal. I actually believe it's underdiagnosed. It can cause a wide variety of signs which can be present in OTHER disease processes. It's not that "simple" to diagnose and the antibiotics we often use to treat those "other" things often get this too. 

The biggest issue is vaccine reactions. This vaccine or vaccine component (it can be found combined with other vaccines) causes the most vaccine reactions of all the ones we have and give to our dogs. 

However, it is still important for all dogs UNLESS they have a vaccine reaction that is so severe, to get this vaccine. They can be pre treated with diphenhydramine. 

I can tell you I vaccinate MY own dogs, including my smaller 17lb dog. 

There are some breeds more prone to vaccine reaction and in small breeds, I do recommend splitting vaccines up and not giving 3 or 4 at once. 

Combination vaccines have been found to be less likely to cause reactions than single vaccines. This is why we choose combination vaccines where we can. 

Talk to your veterinarian about this. Not the breeder. Not the groomer. Not someone who also owns a "x" dog.