Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a serious disease caused by bacteria spread through soil, water and the urine of infected animals. It affects dogs but can also infect a wide variety of domestic and wild animals, as well as humans.

The organism is usually spread through infected urine, but contact with contaminated water or soil, reproductive secretions, and even infected tissue can also spread the infection. Organisms can also be introduced through skin wounds. Carriers of the organism include raccoons, opossums, rodents, skunks and dogs.

Bacteria can survive in water for long periods of time and are often found in swamps, streams, lakes, and standing water. The bacteria also survive well in mud and moist soil, and localized outbreaks can occur after flooding.

Once a dog becomes infected, leptospirosis organisms rapidly advance through the bloodstream, causing fever, joint pain, and general discomfort. Because the organism settles in the kidneys and actually multiplies there, inflammation and even kidney failure can occur. Liver failure is another common consequence of infection.

Leptospira symptoms and treatment:

Symptoms generally appear 2 to 12 days after infection with this bacterium. In many dogs, the infection may remain clinical (no clinical symptoms) or chronic. In acute or more severe cases, dogs may experience fatal kidney or liver disease.

1. Weight loss

2. Fever

3. Loss of appetite

4. Vomiting

5. Lethargy

6. Muscle and/or joint pain

7. Diarrhea

8. Hematuria

9.Excessive thirst

10. Jaundice

11. Excessive bleeding

Treatment:

Leptospirosis can be diagnosed with a blood test; however, multiple tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment usually includes an antibiotic regimen. Complications such as liver or kidney damage or spontaneous bleeding are treated with fluid therapy and other treatments tailored to the individual patient. Hospitalization is required in many cases.

Leptospira Prevention:

Prevent your dog from drinking from stagnant puddles or swimming in lakes, streams, or other bodies of water that may be contaminated.

Preventing leptospirosis is complicated by the fact that there are more than 200 different Leptospira species (subtypes) that can cause disease in animals and humans. Existing vaccines protect against only a handful of the most common germs. Many veterinarians may recommend that dogs who frequently swim outdoors (outdoors) be vaccinated against Leptospira.

Because humans can also become infected with leptospirosis, dogs suspected of having the disease should be handled with caution. Practice good hygiene techniques such as washing hands frequently and avoiding contactPossibly contaminated urine.

Dogs who often swim or do outdoor sports need to pay special attention to leptospirosis. Although there is currently a vaccine, it can target only a small number of bacteria and the duration of the drug's effect is also short (about a few months).