Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a disease carried by dogs and several other wild and domestic animals.
The causative agent is Leptospira interrogans which has several distinct serovars (types).
Transmission is accomplished by close direct contact with infected animals, venereal contact, placental transfer (from mother to puppies), biting, or ingestion of infected tissues.
Rodents are frequent carriers of the disease. Dogs are commonly infected through exposure to rats, either through contact with rat urine or through direct contact with the rat (such as fighting with or killing diseased rats).
Your dog may also be exposed to leptospirosis through contact with another infected dog.
It is a disease which is transmissible to people also.
Symptoms Of Leptospirosis:
Signs of leptospirosis vary and the disease is often severe, even fatal.
Symptoms may include:
- fever,
- shivering,
- dehydration,
- not eating,
- excessive thirst,
- excessive urination,
- vomiting,
- and diarrhea.
Icterus (yellow coloration of the skin and mucous membranes) may occur.
Anterior uveitis (an inflammation of the front part of the eye) may be evident in some cases.
Death may result.
Diagnosis Of Leptospirosis:
Diagnosis is dependent on a thorough physical examination by your dog's veterinarian.
A routine blood screen and possibly a urinalysis (evaluation of your dog's urine) will likely be recommended by your dog's veterinarian.
There are specific blood tests (ELISA and PCR) which can done to test specifically for leptospirosis and, if leptospirosis is a concern, your dog's veterinarian may recommend one or more of these tests.
There are also specialized urine tests which can aid in the diagnosis of leptospirosis.
Treatment Of Leptospirosis:
Treatment of leptospirosis includes antibiotics, which are necessary to kill the causative organism.
Additional treatment will likely be necessary to combat the symptoms of leptospirosis, such as fluid administration to combat dehydration.
Anti-emetic medications may be necessary to control vomiting and these may include medications such as cimetidine or metoclopramide.
Anti-diarrheal medications may also be required.
Kidney disease and liver disease are both frequent findings in animals affected by leptospirosis and treatment may be necessary to correct or limit the damage done to these organs. This may include fluid therapy to minimize the toxic effect of the disease and the correction of electrolyte disturbances.
In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary for successful treatment.
Your dog's veterinarian will be able to determine the best treatment regimen for your dog.
Prevention Of Leptospirosis:
Prevention of leptospirosis involves controlling rodent populations.
Vaccination against leptospirosis is possible. Your dog's veterinarian will help you decide if your dog's lifestyle makes him/her a candidate to receive this vaccine. Your dog's veterinarian may advise vaccination against leptospirosis if your dog is at risk of exposure to the disease.
Because leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease (transmissible to people), caution must be used in handling animals suspected of suffering from leptospirosis. Always wear gloves, especially when handling body fluids such as urine.
Children should not be allowed to handle these animals.
Consult your physician for more advice if you suspect you have been exposed to leptospirosis.
