Hi,
I'd like peoples views on the Lepto 4 vaccination, this strain of vaccine has just been introduced by my vet, however I've heard it can have some very unpleasant reactions.
What are your views?

I would not give it.  I don't really like Lepto 2 either, but at least that's been around a while.  I would ask to have the other parts of the vaccination (DHP), without the lepto component.

I don't like either especially lepto 4 there are far to many side effects amd questions are beginning to be asked .The data sheets also confirm it doesn't last  a full year so you need to do annually. It seems when questioned most vets have very little if any experience of the disease in their surgery so really wonder how much risk there is.

There's a Facebook group called Nobivac Lepto 4 -our experiences.
Nearly 5000 members now.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/322967551247441/

Another viewpoint for you.  When my vet explained to me the reasons for him recommending I decided to go for it.  The strain had already hit the UK and there was a confirmed outbreak in Bristol.

I did ask a very respected long term CD member what she thought about it as I have a very tiny breed as well as the Collies.  She told me that her daughters Papillons had no problems at all with it.

I have now had all 21 of my dogs covered as I am too close to Bristol to take the risk.  4 different breeds, 21 dogs and not one single reaction.  Naturally, I would recommend. 

The extra strains which Lepto 4 covers, are not even present in the UK...

Yes JeanSW, my vet had also said the strain had arrived here, hence them recommending it. But I've also heard of issues with the vaccine.

Not heard of this

Hi Tooolz,
I've had a look at the Facebook page, it makes disturbing reading : (

I don't use the vaccine myself mainly as my vet strongly advises against using it in my breed, but I know of some deaths and severe reactions....one in particular prompted my friend to start the group.

I just don't think the risk from lepto warrants the risk from the vaccine.

I have a friend with the same breed as one of my dogs, who always vaccinated annually as told to by his vet.  His dog fell very ill and was an inpatient at the vets for several days - with lepto.  Yet he had been vaccinated...

The vaccination only protects against very few serovars (even the lepto 4), and the cover it gives isn't worth the risk of the jab IMO.

I won't give it
. I've got Nosodes.   I don't have full confidence in them but believe, at a minimum, they'll cause no harm - the opposite of any Leptospirosis vaccines! 

Lepto is very treatable, so Iong as you know the signs. 

The vaccine doesn't last long as it's a bacteria not a virus.  Humans who work in high risk occupations (sewer workers, VETS etc) don't have it as it's ineffective and dangerous, & the disease is easily treated.

As already suggested, join the group; it will give you lots of information and help you research yourself.

I truly can't bear to lose another, so have spent a lot of time researching this & haven't made my decision not to give this vaccine lightly.

> The extra strains which Lepto 4 covers, are not even present in the UK

WRONG

Lepto 4 confirmed as I said in my post.  You have incorrect information rabid.  Outbreak in Bristol.

Not for me, Lepto 4.   Whether you give this or not would depend on the Lepto situation in your area.   Frankly I prefer to opt for the safer rather than sorry option.    Mine are on 3-yearly boosters apart from the one for Lepto which apparently dips over a 12 month period and is needed annually.  Apparently!  

I have never boostered after about 7 years of age, which one of mine is approaching so I'm going to have to decide whether to booster her again, at all.