Local family and Mission Viejo Animal Services warning pet owners about serious canine disease

A local family is trying to raise awareness about a serious canine disease after their beloved dog Otis died suddenly from kidney failure caused by Leptospirosis.

Otis was a healthy, happy, playful and full-of-life 4-year-old Border Collie rescue. His family called him "The Guardian of El Ferrol" for his loyal, protective watch over their street. The moment his behavior changed and he stopped barking at delivery trucks, his family immediately sought veterinary care.

Bloodwork revealed severely elevated kidney values, and Otis was hospitalized for treatment. Over the next three days, he received IV fluids, antibiotics, and supportive care from three different facilities and an internal medicine specialist. Despite every effort to save him, the damage to Otis's kidneys was irreversible, and his family was forced to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye.

The veterinarians determined the cause was Leptospirosis, a severe bacterial disease that can be contracted through contact with water, soil, or environments contaminated by a single drop of urine from infected wildlife, most commonly rats. While often associated with outdoor or rural regions, Leptospirosis has spread to suburban neighborhoods like Mission Viejo.

The disease can cause fatal kidney and liver damage. Any dog can be exposed to the lepto bacteria by drinking from a puddle, licking a blade of grass, or cleaning their paws after running through infected water. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever or changes in urination.

The easiest and most effective way to protect your dog from this disease is vaccination. Most veterinarians consider the lepto vaccine a "lifestyle" vaccine, meaning it is not required and is often not recommended. However, the State of California is reporting a rise in lepto cases, and in response to this recent fatal case in our community, Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) is encouraging all dog owners to include this vaccine in their pet's routine care.

Here are immediate steps you can take:

• Vaccination: MVAS offers quarterly drive-through vaccine clinics where the lepto vaccine is available for $39. The next clinic is on August 1. You can also ask your veterinarian about administering the vaccine sooner.
• Reporting: If you see rats in your yard or neighborhood, report them to Orange County Vector Control at 714-971-2421. (MVAS does not recommend using rat poison or glue traps, as they can harm other wildlife.)
• Get Informed: For more information about Leptospirosis, contact your local veterinarian or MVAS at 949-470-3045.

Otis's family hopes that their tragic loss can save another dog's life by urging every dog owner to take the risk of leptospirosis exposure seriously. Please act today so you do not suffer this same heartbreak.