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| Memorial: Simon
In Loving Memory of Simon He was 8 years and 9 months, when he unexpectedly got sick on Thursday July 11, 2002, and passed away on Sunday July 14th 2002 at 4pm. I have Simon's and his brother Jacob's ashes. The vet says it is a new disease around the East end of Long Island (leptoporosis), so this is still very upsetting, since I still have a five year old dog and a three year old cat. I will always remember how everyone loved him because he was such a well behaved loyal, big baby, and a major part of my life. Love you always Simy!!! Love Mommy, Daddy, Corey, Kali. 10/26/02: This is my baby boy Simon, he passed away on July 14th, 2002. He was only sick for a few days, and his body couldn't go on. He would be turning 9 on Oct 29, 2002, so the pain of his birthday in a few days is still hitting me very hard. I don't think my life will ever be the same without Sim, things just don't seem right without him around. I have lots of video of him running and hopping around on the beach, this is hard to watch, but he makes me laugh when I watch him snoring, growling and barking and his legs and arms flailing around, while he's sleeping, I laugh so much I usually wake him up. His sister Corey is still depressed also, she has lost 12 lbs, they always ate together or she let him eat first, we have to assure her she's allowed to eat first now. I'll say his cat, Kali, also misses him. She was only a few weeks when I found her and brought her home, he would let her TRY to nurse on him, I have the funniest pictures to prove it!!! He would lay there while she tried, and wake me up in the middle of the night. She also loved to sleep leaning on him while he was on his side. One day when I'm ready I know I will bring another Boxer into my home, Simon was the smartest, friendliest dog I ever had in my life, he brought me happiness like no one ever could when I needed it. I love Corey and Kali very much, but they are much different, loners in a way. He was my best friend, while we traveled for the 8 years I was in the USAF. I miss you baby Sim so much, no one will ever know, seeing your lifeless body, tortures my thoughts everyday, but knowing you are home with us now, I can hold you everyday. I thank God that I chose to keep you and your brother Jacob, who you are now playing with, also your mom Reefa and father Schalimar. I think of you all. Bye babies!!!! Love Mommy, Daddy, Corey and Kali Cat. 10/02 |
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Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection cause by a family of organisms known as Leptospira interrogans. Leptospirosis is a disease of tropical and temperate climates, so much of the US is susceptible to potential outbreaks. So far, the states of Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York have experienced lepto eruptions and cases have surfaced in many other states as well.
Symptoms are typical of kidney and liver disease, and can include, fever, loss of appetite, muscle pain, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea and bleeding. Some dogs will have an increased water consumption and urine output while others may have a decreasing output of urine. Jaundice may occur, and the dog may be painful in the abdominal area or in the lower back. In extremely acute cases, a dog may suddenly go into shock and succumb. Toss in fatigue, depression, gastrointestinal upset, difficulty breathing, the potential for meningitis and eye inflammation, and a picture of a diagnostic nightmare emerges.
Once diagnosed, lepto can be treated with common antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracycline, and erythromycin. In advanced cases, therapies to deal with any liver or kidney involvement will also be necessary.
A dog that has recovered from disease caused by one strain of leptospirosis will be protected from disease caused by that strain in the future, but that protection does not cross species. Therefore, the dog will remain susceptible to other forms of the disease. Vaccines to protect against the disease must attack each specific strain in order to be effective. To confuse matters even more, vaccinated dogs can have mild cases of the disease that show few or no symptoms and can shed the bacteria in their urine, thus spreading the infectious agent.
Leptospirosis vaccines may only protect dogs for six-to-eight months, so veterinarians in high risk areas recommend twice-yearly vaccination. Each dog owner should work with his pet’s veterinarian to determine whether the risk of lepto outweighs the risk of reaction to the vaccination and whether the potential for outbreaks of L. grippotyphosa and L. pomona are of enough concern to vaccinate against them as well.
Because of the potential for the disease to cause serious illness in humans and because dog owners want their pets protected, canine and human health professionals are increasing their awareness of the disease, their procedures for prevention, and their protocols for diagnosis and treatment. Medical advances are announced every day, so ask your veterinarian for the latest information about lepto to determine the benefits and risks of vaccination for each pet.
Sources
1. Dr. Joe Bodwes DVM, Drs. Foster and Smith Inc. Veterinary Services Department
2. Carole Bolin, DVM, PhD Research Leader National Leptospirosis Reference Center USDA, Agricultural Research Service National Animal Disease Center Ames, IA 50010; cbolin@nadc.ars.usda.gov; cbolin@nadc.ars.usda.govv
3. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases
4. Dr. Henry De Boer Jr.; Working K-9 Veterinary Consultation Service, 738 East Mountain Road, Guilford VT 05301; info@workingk-9vet.com info@workingk-9vet.com
