Leptospirosis vaccine

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL DOG OWNERS*

Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection spread primarily by rat urine and affects dogs amongst many animals in the UK. It can often prove fatal, causing liver and kidney failure.

• Leptospirosis is commonly transmitted via swimming in stagnant or slow-moving water, drinking puddles or ingestion of food or bedding contaminated with rat urine.
• Places that are high risk for transmission are: stables, farms, ponds, or anywhere rats frequent!

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection which means it can affect people too.

We currently use the L2 vaccination at Wigmore Vets.

MSD, the manufacturers of our vaccine, are discontinuing the L2 vaccine as L4 is widely available now, which provides superior cover. L4 protects against 4 strains of Leptospirosis, whereas L2 only protects against 2. Over the coming weeks, we will therefore ask that ALL ADULT DOG BOOSTERS have a 2nd L4 vaccine 4 weeks after the first.

This 2nd vaccine will ensure adequate coverage for your dog, as they will have not had this vaccine before. The cost for the 2nd vaccine for adults will be covered by MSD, so it will be of no extra cost to yourselves. All puppies and restart will now receive the L4 vaccine as standard.  

It is important that this 2nd vaccine is given exactly 4 weeks after the first, so please consider this when booking in the vaccine to ensure you are available. Reception will book both the first and second vaccines in when you call. For vaccines already booked in, reception will be working their way through those and calling clients to book in the 2nd L4.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please give the practice a call on 01634 388045 or email (reception@wigmorevets.co.uk) and a clinical member of the team will get back to you to discuss.