Leptospirosis
The Re-Emergence of Canine Leptospirosis
A growing threat to dogs and people
“The epidemiology of leptospirosis among dogs in the United States and Canada appears to be changing, and several reports have suggested that the number of dogs with leptospirosis is increasing… [Our study shows that] the prevalence of leptospirosis… has increased significantly since 1983.”
M. P. Ward et al.4
“The numbers of cases of leptospirosis has risen dramatically in the past several years and this is likely due to a true increase in the occurrence of the disease and increased awareness concerning this disease.”
C.A. Bolin, 20021
“It’s clearly in many more areas than we recognize. It’s the old story that if you don’t look for it, you’ll never diagnose it.”
Linda A. Ross, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)
Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
“The disease is out there and more common than we think.”
Carrie R. White, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)
Animal Medical Center, New York City
As a result of this better awareness, veterinarians are increasingly requesting testing for leptospirosis. Diagnostic laboratories report significant growth in the number of submissions. The result is more cases of canine leptospirosis are discovered every year.