Finding Symptoms of and Treating Leptospirosis in Dogs

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by varied strains of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato organisms. It can be a fatal disease and can be contracted by a dog of any age. Some symptoms of Leptospirosis are high fever, depression, jaundice, dehydration, muscle and/or abdominal pain. Depending on the strain, it can cause kidney and/or liver damage, and may result in acute renal failure and ultimately death of the animal.

The disease can be contracted by bacteria contained in urine of animals infected with the disease, rodents, or even in stagnant water sources where these animals have been. The organisms can be passed by blood, saliva, venereal and placental transfers, and by eating infected tissue. Leptospirosis may come into the body through scratches, sores, bite wounds, or the mucous membranes. The bacteria reproduce very quickly after infection, and the signs of this disease may be seen as quickly as 2 days, or as long as 26 days following exposure, but most often are seen within a week or two.

The treatment for the disease may indicate antibiotics such as penicillin and/or tetracycline drugs to combat any kidney ailments. If your dog becomes dehydrated because of the infection, intravenous or subcutaneous fluids and professional care may be needed.

Be sure to look for any flu-like signs your pet may be experiencing and take him to a veterinarian at once if you suspect he may have Leptospirosis. This disease may also be spread to livestock and humans. People may become infected from contaminated water, such as domestic watering holes, or slow moving streams where wildlife may have urinated.

The Leptospirosis vaccines are only effective for 6 to 8 months, and are only for specific strains. If you live in a high risk region, your vet may suggest vaccinating twice a year. In recent years, Alabama, Massachusetts, Michigan, Georgia, Florida, New York, and New Jersey have seen growing numbers of Leptospirosis cases, and many other states have seen infections as well. Unfortunately, vaccinations are effective only on the specific strain used in the vaccine, and even though a dog has been vaccinated; he may contract a mild case of Leptospirosis and be able to spread the infection in their urine even though they are asymptomatic.

Please consult your vet to see if he thinks vaccination of your pet is recommended in the area you live in. Also keep in mind that this disease does cross species lines, and your dog may expose you, your family, and even your livestock to this deadly disease. It is important to clean your dog's water bowl and bedding on a regular basis. Many times small children will play with these items and they could be exposed to Leptospirosis from these sources.

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