We all worry about vaccine reactions. They are an inevitable consequence of ALL vaccinations. However, we need to put the worry into context.
Severe, life threatening vaccination reactions are incredibly rare.
In contrast, Leptospirosis can kill dogs and it does so quite a bit. Very often the diagnosis is missed or unconfirmed because of difficulties and expense with testing and very variable signs that dogs show with the disease . For every dog dying or suffering long-term harm from a severe adverse reaction to a vaccine, there will be many hundreds of dogs suffering life-threatening illness or dying from Leptospirosis- a VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASE.
Unvaccinated dogs are also frequently carriers and shedders of leptospirosis into the environment, leading to infection of other animals and humans.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that causes very serious illness in dogs and can be fatal. The Leptospira bacteria damage vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. Approximately 50% of dogs showing severe enough signs to warrant hospital stays will die.
Your dog is at higher risk if they live on a farm, regularly kill rodents, or spend a lot of time swimming. However, ALL dogs can catch Leptospirosis.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and jaundice.
Humans can catch Leptospirosis from animals. We call it Weil’s Disease when it affects humans.
Leptospirosis Vaccines
There are very many different types of Leptospirosis bacteria which is why there has been a succession of different vaccines. The most recent vaccine protects against the four most dangerous causes of the disease. These types of vaccine are called L4 vaccines and were first introduced in the UK in 2013. All UK vaccine providers have now followed suit, with gradual withdrawal of L2 and L3 vaccines.
Adverse Events related to Leptospirosis Vaccination
It is important to understand that an ‘adverse event’ to a vaccine is not necessarily severe.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has published some data on adverse reactions to L2 and L4 vaccines. In the most recent update (December 2023) the incidence of adverse reactions was fewer than 2 in 10,000 doses of L2 and fewer than 5 in 10,000 doses of L4.
Another very large study was undertaken looking at adverse events within 3 days of all dog vaccinations. Interestingly, the risks were higher for other vaccines than for Leptospirosis vaccines. The strongest association between vaccine administration and adverse event were not with vaccine type, but with breed, smaller bodyweight and administration of multiple vaccines. Therefore, it is important that we do not over-vaccinate our dogs.
What about death from vaccination to all dog vaccines? A large survey in the USA reported one fatality per 408,719 dogs vaccinated.
What is Etwall Vets’ Advice on Leptospirosis (and other) Vaccinations?
At Etwall Vets, we advocate the MINIMUM vaccination in order to stimulate a known, effective response to the vaccine. Please take advice from our vets.
Your pet may experience some minor adverse effects, like a small swelling or a fever for a day or so after the injection. It is impossible to stimulate the immune system of animals (and humans) without there being a very small subgroup of individuals who will experience some symptoms. However the vast majority of these events will be mild and short lived.
Overall, the risk to our dogs’ lives is MANY HUNDREDS of times greater WITHOUT vaccination. PLEASE think very carefully before you say no to a Leptospirosis vaccination for your dog.