Home  Recipes  Rural Properties  Farmer of the Month  Free Content

 Buy Lye Soap Pictures  Latest eZine Issue  eZine Archive  Articles

Leptospirosis in Dogs

by Victoria Ries

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal infectious disease communicable through the urine, bite, or the ingestion of an infected animal, wild or domestic, or its body parts. Humans are also susceptible to some strains of leptospirosis; millions worldwide are infected with the bacteria every year. The infected animal’s urine may remain infectious from weeks to years while shedding bacteria that have the ability to pollute the environment such as in streams, parks and rivers. Healthy animals may then contract leptospirosis by swimming, drinking, or walking through water that is contaminated with leptospirosis bacteria. Due to rural development veterinarians are seeing cases of leptospirosis more frequently than before because of the presence of infected wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, opossums, skunks, and deer.

Signs of leptospirosis include anorexia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, depression, and vomiting. Other symptoms may also be present in dogs such as pain over the kidneys, muscle pain and stiffness. Leptospirosis bacteria affect the liver and kidneys of the infected animal and may lead to renal failure and death.

In less severe cases with minor organ damage leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics. Dialysis and hydration therapies may be used in the most severe cases where the dog’s kidneys and liver are compromised.

Leptospirosis vaccine may be given to your dog in a multi-shot which also gives protection against parvovirus, distemper, and parainfluenza. It is important to remember that although your pet has been vaccinated, one hundred percent immunity is not guaranteed due to new strains of bacteria.   

Leptospirosis can be detected in your dog through tests conducted by your veterinarian. Once your dog is confirmed to be positive for leptospirosis, it is important to remember the bacteria are highly communicable to humans and at this time thorough hand-washing techniques should be practiced by every member of your household to prevent contagion. Normal day-to-day activities with your pet are not considered to be high-risk, however indirect or direct contact with the infected animal’s body fluids are extremely high risk and should be avoided. Body fluids encompass blood, mucus, urine, and body tissues and put you at high risk of infection. Medical attention should be sought if, after high-risk contact, you develop symptoms of leptospirosis including muscle aches, headache, and fever; your physician can run tests and treat you for the infection.

Protective clothing should be worn when working with an infected animal’s body fluids. Boots, gloves, mask and disposable coveralls should be worn especially when helping deliver puppies or cleaning up infective waste.