Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis

        Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacterial spirochetes. Dogs can acquire these bacteria when subspecies of the Leptospira interrogans penetrate the skin and spread throughout the body through the bloodstream. Leptospires can reproduce in vital organs, such as the liver and kidneys. Infection of the liver or kidneys can be fatal for animals if the infection progresses as it continues to cause damage to these organs. Fever and bacterial infection of the blood develop shortly after initial infection of the bacteria. Leptospirosis symptoms include: fever, illness, soreness or stiffness in muscles causing a reluctance to move, shivering, weakness, depression, lack of appetite, increased urination, rapid dehydration, vomiting (possibly with blood), diarrhea, bloody vaginal discharge, dark red gums, anemic symptoms (yellow skin and/or yellow whites of eyes), coughing, runny nose, and mucous membrane swelling. Leptospirosis is most common in subtropical, tropical and wet environments due to the ideal conditions for these bacteria. Dogs can come into contact with the Leptospira bacteria through infected water, soil, or mud, swimming in contaminated bodies of water, or coming into contact with the urine of an infected animal. The extent at which the Leptospira bacteria will affect your pet's organ's is dependent upon the pet's immune system and its ability to fight the infection fully. Younger animals are at a higher risk for more severe effects from the Leptospira bacteria because of their less developed immune system.

        Leptospirosis is a zoonotic pathway, which means that it can be transmitted to humans and other animals. Children are at the highest risk of acquiring the bacteria from an infected pet. Caution should be taken due to the zoonotic nature of the Leptospira bacteria when handling the pet and any bodily fluids. 

        History of the dog's health including recent activities and any possible encounters with the Leptospira bacteria should be told to the veterinarian so they can determine which stage of the infection the dog is experiencing in order to know which organs are being most affected. By running various blood and urine tests, the veterinarian will be able to examine the prevalence of the bacteria and will be able to measure the body's immune response to infection through a PCV.

        As preventative care, there is a Leptospirosis vaccine that is administered as part of the puppies' series at the age of 16-18 weeks. It can be given as part of the DHLPP vaccine or individually. The Leptospirosis vaccine is then given annually.