One Health:
One Health refers to two related ideas: First, it is the concept that humans, animals, and the world we live in are inextricably linked. Second, it refers to the collaborative effort of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally to attain optimal health for people, animals, and the environment.
AMVA One Health
As a One Health facility, we care about the health and safety of pets and people, and we take extra care to ensure that everyone in our facility is protected from common bacteria and viruses that may plague our furry friends. As such, we require that all pets staying with us meet the following parameters:
Dogs:
Dogs in our facility must be up to date on Rabies, DA2LPP (Distemper with Lepto), and Bordetella vaccines. They must also be on a heartworm prevention which kills intestinal parasites or have a negative intestinal parasite exam within the last three months.
Cats:
Cats in our facility must be up to date on FVRCP and Rabies. They must also test negative on FELV/FIV, and have had a negative intestinal parasite exam within the last three months.
All pets must be free of external parasites such as fleas, ticks, earmites, and lice.
Why We Require Leptospirosis:
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with one of the more than 250 types of bacteria called Leptospira. These bacteria can infect any mammal, including humans. Leptospira live in warm, wet environments like damp grass, standing water, mud, and lakes. Under ideal conditions, the bacteria can survive more than three months outside the body.
Leptospirosis is most often transmitted to dogs through mucous-membrane (mouth, nose or eye) contact with the urine of infected animals and/or contaminated food, bedding, soil, or water. Dogs may also be infected through the bite of, or by eating, an infected animal. Raccoons, skunks, opossums, rats, cows, and pigs are all known carriers of the infection. Dogs can also become infected from close contact with another infected dog.
Because of the broad range of carrier species, any dog—even one briefly outdoors in an urban backyard—is vulnerable to the disease
How Can Leptospirosis Affect My Dog?
Leptospirosis can cause a broad range of clinical signs in any combination. The most common early indicators of Leptospira infection are: loss of appetite, increase or decrease in urine production, uncharacteristic inactivity, vomiting, and diarrhea. Even with prompt, exhaustive medical care, 10 to 15 percent of infected dogs may die. Left untreated, many infected dogs die of kidney or liver failure.
How Do I Prevent Leptospirosis?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent leptospirosis. For most dogs, limiting exposure to the outdoors is neither practical nor desirable. The vaccine used today is a four-way, second-generation vaccine which protects against four types of leptospirosis and is associated with fewer reactions in vaccinated dogs than previous versions.
What Do I Do If I Suspect Leptospirosis?
If you suspect your dog may have leptospirosis, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARY MEDICAL PROVIDER. Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s condition and order any necessary diagnostic tests. Early diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care are essential to giving your dog the best chance for survival.
Humans are also vulnerable to leptospirosis. If your dog is diagnosed with leptospirosis, consider medical assessment for anyone in close contact with the animal.
This fact sheet is provided by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine as a public service.