Discontinuation of the Canigen Leptospirosis 2 (Lepto 2) vaccination
From February 2025 the Canigen Lepto 2 vaccination will be discontinued by the manufacturer. We will be transitioning dogs who currently receive the Lepto 2 vaccination over to the Lepto 4 vaccination at the anniversary of their annual booster.
The decision to discontinue the Canigen Lepto 2 vaccination was made by the manufacturers after a review of the updated WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) guidelines which were published earlier this year. The guidelines make a clear recommendation for the use of the Lepto 4 vaccine due to additional cover required for the leptospirosis strains which we see in the UK.
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease-causing liver and kidney failure in dogs. It is spread in the urine of infected animals and can live in water and soil for many months. Dogs are at higher risk if they live in a farm environment, kill rodents or spend time around stagnant water (ponds, rivers, canals).
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transferred from infected dogs to humans causing disease.
New vaccination protocol
Dogs currently receiving the Lepto 2 vaccination, will require two doses of the Lepto 4 vaccination four weeks apart at time of booster vaccination. Following transition, in subsequent years, just one booster vaccination will be required as usual. If your dog is currently receiving the Lepto 4 vaccination, no change is required.
Will I have to pay twice?
You will pay for the initial vaccination, but the second vaccine will be provided free of charge. Of course, if you are on our Practice Plan vaccinations are covered. However, this fee is only waived if the second vaccination is completed four weeks later. If this second vaccination is missed, you will have to restart the course again at your own expense.
Do vaccines carry a risk of side effects?
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate receives fewer than 5 reports of adverse reactions for every 10000 doses of the Lepto 4 vaccine. These statistics include every suspected adverse event reported, even cases that were considered unclassifiable or were later found to be unrelated to the vaccine.
For more information, please click the link to WSAVA
