Tink

So sorry to hear that you lost a lovely dog too, it's such a terrible loss. If I could mention here the advice from our Vet who tried so hard to save my lovely fellow - ensure the vaccination is for the Australis strain. Apparently it's only available from one company in Australia and the other vaccine for Lepto (mixed with something else) is not for Australis. My little 12yo Pug has just got his first shot, and has a booster in 1 months time. He's a dear little bloke, and it's quite apparent that he misses his big boofy friend .

Hello I'd like to share some information that may save a family losing their beloved dog. Last week, my beautiful 5yo Labrador was being treated by a wonderful and kind Vet for suspected Leptospirosis. Sadly, my Lab needed to be put gently to sleep, having deteriorated to a point he was unlikely to recover. It's possible that he picked up the disease by staying at a Mackay kennel for a short few days when my family needed to make an unexpected trip interstate. While both my dogs were vaccinated to C5; it's C6 or C7 that would have prevented this. I have since been told that 'Lepto' is not a vaccination normally given to dogs, as the disease is not in our area (Central Qld), and vaccinations are only given if the request is made. I was uninformed about the disease - so how could I ask for it??? Families in the Central Qld region often travel to/from Mackay for weekends and school holidays with their dogs, so I believe where a family resides shouldn't limit vaccinaiton options, rather, the lifestyle should be considered. My dog would probably be alive if I was told by the vaccinating Vet that it's HIGHLY recommended for dogs that spend any time in the Mackay area (and I also wonder if the Qld floods have potentially extended the area of outbreaks). Leptospirosis is a disease carried by rats. My understanding is that it's the Australis strain that is most fatal to dogs and is found largely agricultural areas in temperate climates. Transmission can occur through contact with infected urine, bites, wounds or ingestion of contaminated food or water AND humans can contract the disease. When my beautiful Lab was sick, I phoned a Mackay clinic to determine a likely prognosis as I was told that Mackay was a hot spot for the disease. I was advised of the 19 recent cases the clinic had, only 3 dogs survived - these pets may have picked up the disease in their own soggy backyards!! My message for dog owners - P L E A S E check to see if your dog has been vaccinated for Leptospirosis. If you spend any time in a high risk area eg Mackay and temperate climates, P L E A S E have your dog vaccinated to prevent this fatal disease. My message to breeders - P L E A S E inform the new owner of your lovely puppy/dog of the disease and get them to discuss the Leptospirosis vaccine with their Vet. They might not live in a high risk area now, however, they may access on in the future. Thank you for reading this, I hope it saves someone the heartbreak my family are feeling. Tink