Although diseases like Parvovirus and Distemper only occur sporadically here, they are devastating when they do. For example we had a recent fatal case of Parvovirus in a puppy which had come up from the Scottish mainland which was very sad for all involved, especially the family.

Kennel cough is an infection we now see regularly in Shetland, & the majority of dogs now have the vaccine annually along with their normal Booster. The cough can usually be treated, but can be very serious in the young & old.

Leptospirosis is a widespread bacterial disease that affects dogs, wild rodents, and many other species. In dogs, in its early stages, it is often hard to diagnose. But if left untreated it can quickly progress to potentially fatal liver or kidney failure. Even if treated early with antibiotics, infected dogs can shed the bacteria in their urine for months or even years.

Leptospirosis is transmitted by contact with the urine of infected animals, either directly or indirectly from a contaminated environment. A common example might be still or slow moving water contaminated with the urine of infected rodents. Wild rodents such as rats can carry the disease and shed the bacteria for years without ever showing any signs of illness. In truth, virtually any dog that is exercised outdoors is potentially at risk.

Leptospirosis is also a ‘zoonotic’ disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is currently considered to be the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world. In humans, as in dogs, leptospirosis is a potentially life-threatening disease. It is therefore critical to prevent your dog from becoming infected and shedding the bacteria in its urine.

Until now, vaccines have contained 2 strains of the disease, but new strains have emerged in the UK, & have caused fatalities in dogs. There is now a new vaccine called Lepto 4, & this is what we will be using at Shetland Vets from January 2016. After the first booster with Lepto 4, your dog should come back to the surgery four weeks later for a second booster with the Vet or Nurse (there is no additional charge to you for this). Thereafter, it will just be one annual vaccination as before.