Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which can be spread through animal urine in water and soil. This bacterial disease is prevalent in dogs. Since this is classified as a zoonotic disease, it can be transferred to humans through open wounds, breaks in the skin, and scratches. If left treated, it can cause death. Leptospira bacteria often survive in:
- Warm/humid places
- Stagnant water
Wild animals have the tendency to carry around the bacteria, that is why dogs that are exposed to wild animals and their urine as well as contaminated water are at a higher risk for contracting the disease. Dogs that spend lots of time outdoors and those that are living in the countryside are prone to getting leptospirosis.
Causes
There are many possible causes of this disease, which includes the following:
- Exposure to urban wildlife (rodents and other animals may be carrying the bacteria)
- Flooding, which occurs between summer and early autumn
- Exposure to an infected animal’s urine or contaminated water (through ingestion, bite wounds, and other open wounds)
When the Leptospira bacteria get into the body, it will spread through various types of tissues. Usually, the immune system will clear the body from the bacteria; however, the bacteria might hide and settle in the kidneys.
Signs and Symptoms
The severity of the symptoms is dependent on the dog’s vaccination status, the response of its immune system, age, the strain of the bacteria, etc. In some cases, a dog may not show any symptoms at all, mild in some, whilst fatal for the rest. Here are the signs and symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs:
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Anorexia
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Oliguria, anuria, or polyuria
- Organ failure (kidney or liver failure)
- Jaundice
Diagnosis
There are two types of test that will be used to diagnose leptospirosis in dogs: organism detection and serology. Collection of both urine and blood samples must be considered before administering antibiotics. All the diagnostic test results must be interpreted with the clinicopathologic findings, clinical signs, as well as the dog’s history of vaccination.
Treatment
To terminate the Leptospira bacteria, antibiotics are used; this is usually administered in two stages:
- A certain type of antibiotic will be given to treat the primary infection.
- Another type of antibiotic will be administered, which will fight the excretion of the Leptospira bacteria in the urine.
Earlier treatment would be better because once an organ failure is present, the treatment will have a low success rate. In such case, it will be necessary for the dog to go through an aggressive treatment, which includes intravenous fluids to aid in treating complications of liver and kidney failures as well as to lessen the vomiting.
Prevention
Vaccines to combat leptospirosis are recommended and available especially in areas where the disease is known to be prevalent. For dogs at risk of leptospirosis, annual vaccination is encouraged, and if possible, reduce your dog’s exposure to sources of the bacteria as this will decrease the chance of getting infected. Here are other preventative methods for leptospirosis:
- Practise proper hygiene; this includes careful washing of the hands.
- Prevent your dog from swimming in stagnant and/or slow-moving water such as ponds.
- Employ rodent control procedures.
- Avoid getting in contact with urine as much as possible. Use protective gloves/clothing if necessary.
If your dog is diagnosed with leptospirosis, here are precautionary measures to avoid putting yourself at risk:
- Thoroughly wash your hands after you handle your dog.
- It is best to encourage your pet to urinate elsewhere, preferably away from areas that are accessible to people and other animals.
- Disinfect areas or surfaces where pets present with the disease have urinated.
- Be a responsible owner; administer medications from your vet properly or as prescribed/directed.
If you are pregnant, ill, have a weak immune system, or have concerns about leptospirosis, it is best to seek advice from your physician.
Transmission of Leptospirosis to Humans
If people are transmitted with leptospirosis, they may show flu-like symptoms. However, in some cases, this can develop into a more severe illness. If you suspect that you had contact with a canine infected by leptospirosis, you should mention the dog’s condition to the healthcare providers.
Know more about preventive measures to different dog health concerns here!
