READER REPORT: Words of warning about a preventable disease that killed a West Seattle dog

That’s Ella, an Aussie/Border Collie mix, 5 months old when she was rescued from 2011 storms in the Midwest, given a new home by Stefanie. After 9 years as “amazing companions,” Stefanie has lost Ella … and she has a message for others, in hopes of saving their dogs from her fate:

WARNING: Immunize your pet against Leptospirosis. It is lurking in West Seattle.

I lost my dog suddenly/unexpectedly 6 weeks ago. She got a bacterial infection contracted from wildlife urine that is preventable if an “optional” immunization is given. The vets need to counsel all owners about this horrible disease, which causes the dog’s organs to fail, and to strongly advocate and recommend it. By the time you see any symptoms, it is very late to reverse and is miserable for the patient. With all the knowledge of this infection and the increase of wildlife in our parks and neighborhoods, it is critical to protect your pets. I would not want anyone else to have to go through this.

Ella was “fit and healthy and happy” when she got sick, Stefanie says. As for where she contracted the disease, Stefanie doesn’t know: “I took her on walks in all the local parks and even have wildlife in my backyard garden.”

17 Replies to "READER REPORT: Words of warning about a preventable disease that killed a West Seattle dog"

  • T November 5, 2020 (9:38 pm)

    So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Ella’s story. We lost our dog in April, I know how terrible it is to think you could have prevented it. 

  • psps November 5, 2020 (9:54 pm)

    Stefanie, I’m so sorry about the loss of your beloved friend and companion Ella. You gave her many extra years of happiness she otherwise would have missed and, for that, you should be happy. Dwell on the good times. It will help you through this time of grief. So, so sorry.

  • Eli November 5, 2020 (11:13 pm)

    I’m so sorry to hear about Ella. I’ve never heard of this disease, but I plan to ask the vet about immunization at our upcoming appointment. Thank you for sharing in the midst of your grief; it will likely prevent a similar fate for others. 

  • Tracey November 6, 2020 (7:24 am)

    Thanks for sharing, Stefanie.  I am so very sorry for your loss of Ella and so thankful that you shared your story.   I don’t believe my vet has ever mentioned this vaccine to me.   I guess I need to bring it up with them.  

  • waikikigirl November 6, 2020 (7:34 am)

    Stephanie the loss of any loved one is hard but as what PSPS said you gave her many extra happy years and Ella did for you too. My condolences.
    Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. 
    When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….Author unknown…

  • sb2780 November 6, 2020 (8:50 am)

    Stefanie, I’m so very sorry for the loss of Ella, and so glad you are bringing this common disease in the PNW to pet owners. I would just like to share that this immunization is very controversial in the vet community and is apparently known to commonly cause adverse reactions after vaccinations. I had no idea this was the case and was extremely alarmed when my 7 yo boston terrier developed a huge lump on her leg last month. After doing extensive tests with the vet thinking it might my cancer, they were able to put together that her recent Lepto vaccination several weeks earlier had caused an adverse reaction at the injection site causing an overstimulation of her immune system to attack the tissue at the injection site. This kind of reaction actually can lead to cancer of the tissue later, so it is something I will be watching closely from now on. I’m not telling anyone not to get his vaccination, just please do your homework on it first and know that small dogs are more prone to vaccine reactions.  More info can be found here: https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/leptospirosis-vaccine-side-effects/ 

    • Anne November 6, 2020 (1:35 pm)

      @SB2780 I didn’t know it was controversial. Our dogs (both rescues from other areas) have gotten this vaccine ever since we moved to Vashon, since there are so many deer and raccoons here, and it’s just a matter of time before they lap up puddle water. I hadn’t heard of Lepto when we lived in West Seattle, but it’s apparently recommended when dogs are in more rural areas. I think the one out vet recommends is a 4-way shot to cover different strains, but there’s also a 3-way.  I am so sorry to hear about Stefanie’s loss. 

  • john November 6, 2020 (9:06 am)

    So sorry for your loss, Stefanie.  Thank you for the information and for the other info about the vaccine reaction potential.  Getting out more information about this will be helpful as disease is clearly in our community. 

  • M November 6, 2020 (9:47 am)

    So sorry to hear about your dog.  I only as of a couple weeks ago give that vaccine to one dog. My other dog has an immune disease and vaccinations aren’t possible anymore as it could trigger bad response to her immune system.

  • Chuck November 6, 2020 (9:51 am)

    Aww, I’m so sorry to hear about your beautiful friend. Thank you for sharing your story as I know it will help save many other pups from them same fate. Be well. 

  • Alki Resident November 6, 2020 (9:51 am)

    Oh my goodness – thank you for the warning!  I had never heard of this!  I am so sorry for your loss.  That’s just awful.

  • nonni November 6, 2020 (12:36 pm)

    My condolences, Stefanie. 14 years ago we lost our terrier, Pep, to acute liver failure. She was an occasional puddle drinker, and our vet suspected Leptospirosis. Our dogs since then receive the vaccine.I hope you will be able to welcome another deserving dog into your loving home.

  • Sandy, Kira’s Mom November 6, 2020 (3:35 pm)

    Stephanie, so very sad to hear about dear Ella.  She was always a happy dog, full of energy and friendly greetings.  Megan told us about her death and I was brought to tears.  I know your heart and soul misses her.  And how sad that she died of a painful disease.  Thank you for sharing. 

  • Shelley Pastachak November 6, 2020 (4:45 pm)

    Oh, Stefanie, I’m so sorry to hear the sad news!  We will miss seeing Ella in the park.  She was such a sweet girl and great companion for you.  To lose her to a preventable disease must be devastating.  Vaccinating for Lepto was been debated in the past, and one never knows whether you are overprotecting your pets based on fear or whether it is a real threat.  I know as Lepto become more well known in the local area, my vet recommended the vaccine be part of the normal regime and I trusted him to be giving me good information, but I have to say, I still wondered whether it was really necessary.  Now I know.  Thank-you for sharing.  Barney, Gus and I will have a moment of silence for Ella the next time we are at Lincoln Park.

  • LR November 6, 2020 (8:16 pm)

    I’m extremely sorry to hear about this.  Though we only have house cats we will spread the word as far as we can.  Once again very very sorry. 

  • Katie K November 6, 2020 (10:05 pm)

    Stefanie, I am so sorry to hear about Ella. She was a sweet dog and you gave her such a good life. We said goodbye to Miley in January, so I know your pain. Big hugs to you. 

  • ArborHeightsRes November 8, 2020 (12:48 pm)

    Stefanie – Please accept my condolences on the loss of your furry friend, Ella. What a beautiful dog.  Thank you for taking the time to bring this to the neighborhood’s attention.  Raccoons, which appear to be very common in West Seattle, are carriers of lepto (among other diseases).  See: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/zoonotic/facts-resources/diseases-by-animal/raccoons.aspxMy neighbor insists on feeding raccoons, and perhaps this article will convince her to stop doing so.  Again, my heart goes out to you during this very difficult time.

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