The Association of Dog Owners’ Group (ADOG) in Fountain Hills has notified its members it has recently become aware that four dogs in the community have been diagnosed with canine Leptospirosis.

The email notification states, “These confirmed cases, and possibly others, are of great concern to the welfare of our entire canine community and possibly we ourselves.

“Leptospirosis is a serious disease that affects dogs, cats, horses, swine, deer and other mammals, including humans.

“Signs of leptospirosis vary greatly from mild malaise to death. The incubation period is usually seven days.”

The most common signs for dogs in the early phase are fever, shivering, lethargy, decreased appetite and muscle tenderness. As the disease progresses, increased thirst and urination, abdominal pain, vomiting, eye disease, diarrhea, joint stiffness, bruising of the skin, coughing and a runny nose are just a few of the symptoms that can occur.

Diagnosis of leptospirosis requires special testing to identify the organism including routine bloodwork, urinalysis and clotting tests will make it a rule-out but not make the diagnosis.

Of the four confirmed cases in Fountain Hills, all of the dogs lived in close proximity on the same block in town. This could be the point of contact. Often the disease is found in clusters. One of the dogs frequented the dog park in town.

There is a treatment, and all of the dogs are currently under a veterinarian’s care, but some action is still needed. Since the disease is transmitted through the passing of bodily fluids including saliva and urine, ADOG is taking the precaution of removing all of the water buckets and tennis balls from the dog park for the time being. The water hoses will still be functional, but owners will need to bring a drinking vessel so that their dogs can stay hydrated.

Also, tennis balls or Frisbees or any other type of toy should be left at home since dogs like to play with each other’s toys.

“We don’t want to provide any convenient means for the disease to spread in the park,” said Bill Hindman, ADOG vice president. “We will continue to monitor the situation and will advise you as we learn more. Hopefully these cases will be the only ones and there will be no further problems. However, we recommend you contact your vet and get the vaccination as a precaution.”