Dog Health Alert: Understanding Leptospirosis

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Introduction

Leptospirosis is a deadly bacterial infection found both in dogs and humans. It results from the Leptospira bacteria. In fact, leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease since it can be contracted from animals, especially dogs. Therefore, it is imperative that the dog owners and professionals are aware of the potential danger, the clinical features and the prevention methods of this disease.
Leptospiorsis in dogs


​How Dogs Are Infected with Leptospirosis

​The bacterium lives in warm stagnant waters and moist soil. The common sources of infections are:

​Contaminated Water Sources:

Drunk or swimming in puddles, ponds or other water sources contaminated with urine from infected wild animals, e.g., rats, racoons and skunks.

​Direct Contact: 

When the animals come in contact with urine or other tissue fluids from infected animals.

​Exposure: 

Walking through soils and bedding material where the bacteria may gain access through cuts or wounds on the skin or the mucous membranes such as eyes, nose and mouth.

​Symptoms in Dogs

​The clinical manifestations of Leptospirosis in dogs range from mild to severe. Some of the typical signs of the disease include:

​Fever and Lethargy: 

Sudden high fever followed by lethargic behavior.

​Digestive Complaints: 

Vomiting, Diarrhea and decreased appetite.
​Excessive Thirst and Urination:Increased thirst and urination: Usually the earliest symptom associated with kidneys’ impairment.

Jaundice: 

The appearance of a yellow hue of gums, skin, or eyes, as an indicator of liver impairment.

Muscle pain: 

Unwillingness to move and stiffness while walking.

Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis of Leptospirosis usually involves:
Blood and urine tests to examine the level of functionality of kidneys and liver, as well as to confirm the presence of the bacteria in the body.
Special testing such as PCR (detecting bacterial DNA in the blood) and MAT (determining antibodies).

Treatment

In addition, the treatment includes:
Specific antibiotics such as Doxycycline and Penicillin.
In most cases, hospitalization becomes inevitable because the dog needs intensive treatment involving intravenous fluid administration.

Prevention and control

It is far easier and more efficient to prevent Leptospirosis than to treat it.
Annual vaccination of your dog against Leptospirosis; currently, all the available vaccines can provide protection against the four most common serovars.
No drinking from any kind of stagnant water.
Eliminating the presence of rodents at home and in yards as a source of infection.
Hygienic measures in case of contact with infected animal: use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.

Conclusion

Leptospirosis is a serious threat to your dog’s health that can be easily prevented by regular vaccination.

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