Oct 23, 2018   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

Leptospirosis Spike Threatens Area Pets: NJ Veterinary Hospital Issues Warning

ROBBINSVILLE, N.J., Oct. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- NorthStar VETS veterinary emergency and specialty veterinary hospital in New Jersey is issuing a warning to people in the area with pets. Over the past several months, there has been a marked increase in the number of Leptospirosis cases treated at the hospital and at other veterinary hospitals in the NJ/NY/PA areas.

Dr. Steven Berkowitz, Emergency and Critical Care veterinarian for NorthStar VETS, said, "We want pet parents to be aware of Leptospirosis, and to consider vaccinating their at-risk pets to help prevent spread of the disease. Each individual patient should be assessed by their family veterinarian." Make sure you have all the facts for pet vaccinations

You and your pet are both at risk for Leptospirosis:

    --  Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning that you can also contract
        this infection from your pet.
    --  If you have a pet that has Leptospirosis, please contact your health
        care provider and inform them. This is especially true if you are
        pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are immunosuppressed for any
        reason.
    --  It is most commonly spread through contact with infected urine and
        either your mucus membranes (lips, mouth, nose, eyes) or an open wound.
    --  Leptospira bacteria has been found in sitting water including old tires
        or toys left outside.
    --  This bacteria is endemic world-wide in wild mice and rats and they are
        usually the source of the infection.
    --  This is a curable disease, but necessitates long term antibiotics and
        other supportive care, and without this, it can be fatal to both you and
        your pets.
    --  There is a vaccine for Leptospirosis. Contact your family veterinarian
        to see if they recommend it for your pet.

Signs and symptoms of Leptospirosis:

    --  General malaise
    --  Excessive drinking and urinating
    --  Waxing/waning fever
    --  Vomiting or loss of appetite
    --  Icterus (yellowing of the gums, skin and whites of the eyes)
    --  Excessive bleeding or bruising
    --  Kidney and/or liver failure

About NorthStar VETS

Located in Robbinsville, NJ, NorthStar VETS is the region's leader in providing advanced veterinary services by board-certified, residency trained, or highly experienced veterinarians 24/7. As an American Animal Hospital-Accredited (AAHA) Referral Practice, NorthStar VETS continues to set the standard in medical excellence for dogs, cats, birds, exotics, and other family pets. www.northstarvets.com

Contact: Phillip Barnes, 1-609-223-1513, pbarnes@northstarvets.com

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SOURCE NorthStar VETS