Leptospirosis Meeting

Think that puddle or pond is safe for your pet to drink from? Think again. That stagnant water may be full of harmful bacteria and other potential hazards. As a member of the general pet loving public; I am no vet nor am I veterinarian educated; I was naive to the threat posed by sources of water. Fortunately for me, as a staff member at West Ridge Animal Hospital, I get to participate in our weekly educational meetings. Our most recent meeting was regarding Leptospirosis, bacteria found in the urine of wild and domestic animals that collects in bodies of water. The items that most caught my attention in the talk were:

- This disease is zoonotic, which means it can be transferred from animals to humans (translation: this is not only about my dog, it's about me and my children staying safe as well)

- Leptospirosis is becoming steadily more prevalent in the Greeley area

- If left untreated, Leptospirosis can be fatal.

These three things alone tell you that Leptospirosis demands more attention from the public. Our staff and veterinarians are devoted to educating the public about this and many other diseases in Colorado. We recommend vaccinating your dog against this deadly disease; not only will you be preventing your beloved pet from contracting the disease, you will also keep just one more animal from spreading it.

For more information on Leptospirosis, please visit the CDC's website.