Pet owners warned after Aberdeen dog dies of rare disease

A case of a rare potentially lethal infection which can spread from animals to humans has been confirmed in Aberdeen.
Picture: APPicture: AP
Picture: AP

Vet charity PDSA is advising owners to make sure their pets’ vaccinations are up to date against the highly contagious disease leptospirosis. A dog from Aberdeen contracted the condition and died last week despite treatment at the city’s PDSA Pet Hospital.

Fiona Gregge, senior vet at the hospital, said: “Leptospirosis is quite rare; the bacteria are spread through the urine of an infected animal, often rats.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But flooding can increase the risk of contracting the disease, which causes symptoms including vomiting, jaundice, lethargy, fever and organ failure – even with treatment it is often fatal.

“It’s incredibly sad to see a pet suffering like that, especially when a quick vaccination or booster could have prevented this. Given the recent flooding in the area, I’d advise all owners to make sure their pets’ vaccinations are up to date.

“Leptospirosis usually requires an annual booster, but check with your vet if you’re not sure.”

The charity said Leptospirosis is “zoonotic”, meaning it can be passed from animals to humans, although the chances of this happening are very small.

Related topics: