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Leptospirosis is a serious, potentially fatal bacterial
infection that can infect many species of animals
as well as humans. Leptospirosis is carried in wild
animals such as mice, rats, skunks, opossums,
and raccoons. These animals shed leptospires in
their urine, and the bacteria can survive for months
in warm, moist environments. When dogs have
direct contact with urine from these animals, or
contaminated water, soil, food, or bedding, they
may also become infected. Many dogs are exposed
by contact with stagnant or standing water in rural
and suburban environments, and through contact
with rats and rodent urine in cities and urban areas.
Higher incidences occur where urban and suburban
areas interface and development is occurring.
Once infected, your dog may show a variety of signs
of illness. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, poor
appetite, muscle pain, jaundice, and increased thirst
and urination are common symptoms. Diagnosis
is made from a combination of symptoms and test
results, some of which may need to be repeated
after your pet has recovered from its illness. Dogs
with leptospirosis require hospitalization and
aggressive medical treatment, often for many days,
as infection may cause kidney failure, liver failure,
and even death. Intravenous fluids, antibiotics,
nausea medications, and urine,
bloodwork, and blood pressure
monitoring, are necessary to
effectively help your pet recover
from a leptospirosis infection.
Additionally, once your dog is
infected, you and your family
are at risk, due to the bacteria
which your dog will be shedding
in its urine. If your dog is
diagnosed with leptospirosis,
it is advisable to contact your
family physician to discuss with
them your risk of infection, and
any recommended treatment
for you and your family.
Fortunately, safe and effective
canine vaccines are widely
available through veterinarians
leptospirosis:
A Danger to your Dog and your family
that help prevent your dog from acquiring leptospira
infections. An initial vaccine series is administered,
and then yearly booster vaccines are needed to
maintain protection. Vaccinating your dog regularly
is the best way to protect you and your family from
potential infections. Additionally, preventing your
dog from drinking from slow-moving or stagnant
water will help limit exposure.
Interestingly, cats appear to have some natural
resistance to leptospira infections. While they may
also be exposed to the bacteria in moist outdoor
environments and through contact with rodents, cats
rarely become sick with leptospirosis. Vaccinations
for cats are not currently available.
While leptospirosis is a serious threat to dogs and
humans, it is important to remember that vomiting,
diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and poor appetite are
symptoms of many types of illnesses. If your dog
is experiencing any symptoms of illness, prompt
evaluation by a veterinarian is always the best
course of action, to ensure the health and well
being of both your pet and your family.
Provided by Dr. Dora Connelly
Gwynedd Veterinary Hospital
and Emergency Service, 215.699.9294
leptospirose 200x magnified with dark-field microscope photo taken by bluuurgh at
the dutch royal tropical institute (www.kit.nl))
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