Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted to pets and people through contact with rodents or their droppings. There has been a dramatic increase in the rat population over the past 2-3 months in Collin County, increasing the risk to your pets and family members.

Because most dogs are not vaccinated against leptospirosis, they are at an increased risk of contracting leptospirosis. Indoor dogs, as well as outdoor dogs, are at equal risk of contracting the infection. Clinical disease occurs when the bacteria attack the kidneys or liver. Treatment is expensive and the disease can be fatal despite intensive treatment.

Due to the increased risk of the disease at the present time, it is recommended to have your pets tested for the disease. A blood profile and titer test for the eight strains of leptospirosis most likely to infect your pet is recommended and can be done during today's visit. Pets that test positive should be immediately treated as they are at risk of developing the disease and infecting other pets and human family members. Fortunately, pets that are diagnosed with this testing before showing clinical signs can be cured with minimal expense.

I understand that failure to diagnose this disease may result in additional expenses if my pet becomes ill. I also accept the risk of living with a pet with leptospirosis as the disease is easily transmitted to human family members as well as other pets in my household.