With a yelp and a wounded look, Rafe the dingo received his leptospirosis vaccination at the Territory Wildlife Park last week. The vaccination stung when it was injected but a little pain now could save the six-year-old dingo from a lot of suffering and even death further down the track. And the proud canine got a pat and a treat from veterinarian Jessica Eastley to help ease the sting. The Ark Animal Hospital vet said it was important to vaccinate all dogs against leptospirosis as, though not particularly common, the tropical disease can be fatal. “Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that occurs in both wild and domestic dogs,” she said. “It is usually acquired through contact with soil, water or urine in the environment, and spread by an infected animal.” Ms Eastley said the initial symptoms could be vague and included anorexia, depression and dehydration. “The infection affects many parts of the body, but the primary signs are usually associated with liver and kidney dysfunction,” she said. Leptospirosis can be prevented with two vaccinations given one month apart, and then continued on an annual basis before the wet season, which is the highest risk time of the year. Territory Wildlife Park assistant curator Damien Stanioch said the park’s four dingoes were all vaccinated against leptospirosis every year. “We also vaccinate a number of our wallaby species, including the endemic black wallaroo,” he said. Originally published as Rafe gets the point on disease
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 18:56:27 +0000
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