Pet Owner Testimonial

"Pets are exposed to wildlife everywhere. You're not safe, because lepto could be in your backyard."

Jane Babinsky, owner of Petey, a dog diagnosed with leptospirosis

When Petey, an energetic Welsh corgi, began having accidents around the house, became lethargic and experienced dramatic weight loss, pet owner Jane Babinsky feared something was terribly wrong.

"He wasn't acting like himself at all," said Babinsky of Cleveland, Ohio. "He loved to eat and play, but suddenly, he quit doing all the things he loves."

Babinsky, a dog trainer, knew from previous experience Petey was suffering from more than a urinary tract infection as her veterinarian had diagnosed. She was beginning to lose hope when she remembered learning about leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease carried by many animals, including rats, opossums, skunks and raccoons. Leptospirosis is transmitted to dogs when they come into contact with water or moist soil where an infected animal has urinated. Left untreated, the disease may affect the kidneys and liver, causing damage that can lead to fatal organ failure.

Babinsky immediately took Petey to a veterinary hospital where he was tested for leptospirosis. Tests confirmed Babinsky's suspicions and Petey was placed on antibiotics. Later, she also experienced symptoms of leptospirosis.

"My muscles hurt so bad I could barely lift my legs to walk," she said. "I lost my appetite, was nauseated and had constant headaches."

Both recovered from the disease, but it left its mark on Petey. "He has to go to the bathroom more frequently and has bouts of urinary tract infections," Babinsky said.

Babinsky's other two dogs were more fortunate. They did not contract leptospirosis, but she isn't taking any chances with her pets' health: "My pets are now vaccinated against leptospirosis because they are exposed to wildlife everywhere. Even living in town you're not safe because leptospirosis could be in your backyard," Babinsky said.

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Kenneth Harkin, DVM

Kenneth Harkin, DVM, Associate Professor of Small Animal Medicine Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Pet Owner Testimonial

When Petey, an energetic Welsh corgi, began having accidents around the house, became lethargic and experienced dramatic weight loss, pet owner Jane Babinsky feared something was terribly wrong.