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New strains of leptospirosis emerging
MSD Animal Health calls for updated vaccine

A leader in global animal healthcare has addressed the threat to vaccinated dogs posed by new strains of leptospirois.

While dogs are commonly protected against two "traditional" strains of the disease, called canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae, there is evidence that the vaccine is no longer as effective as in the past.

Tests have shown that new strains australis and grippotyphosa are becoming more and more prevalent in the UK and across Europe.

As a result, MSD Animal Health took steps to increase awareness at the recent British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress, held in Birmingham.

It announced that veterinary surgeons from six European countries and the United States met last year to discuss the issue of leptospirosis resistance in dogs.

During the meeting, the most up-to-date research was shared and the conclusion was that the current bivalent leptospirosis vaccinations were no longer providing adequate protection.

Canine leptospirosis is an infectious disease that most commonly damages the liver and kidney. While the disease tends to be very difficult to diagnose, it can cause fatality within a short period of time.

The case of a six-year-old, fully-vaccinated and otherwise healthy labrador was shared by Jonathan Horlock, of Marches Vets, Herefordshire.

"All the symptoms shown were generalised – the dog was off its food and had a slightly raised temperature. We were suspicious of leptospirosis as we'd already seen a couple of cases, so we sent the dog to Bristol University for a diagnosis."

Despite confirmation of leptospirosis, Mr Horlock said the symptoms were too acute and the dog didn't respond to treatment.

"Unfortunately, the dog died."

Mr Horlock added that a more up-to-date vaccine is needed to ensure dogs are safe from new strains of the disease.

"The difficultly with leptospirosis is that it's hard to diagnose, because the symptoms are generalised, yet treatment needs to be immediate," he commented.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.