What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease that infects dogs, horses, wildlife, humans, and several other types of animals. There are numerous types (called serotypes) of leptospires. Though each type is infectious only for certain animals some infect several species, including humans.

“Lepto” is most often acquired through oral ingestion of infected urine, yet can also enter the body through open wounds, abrasions, or mucus membranes in the eyes or nose. Unfortunately, it only takes a small number of organisms to infect and cause disease.

Hunting dogs that retrieve game from water and people who swim in contaminated water have historically higher risk of acquiring lepto. Recently urban sprawl has contributed to the rising incidence of lepto infections. Housing developments are built closer to wild areas and thus closer to the wildlife that may carry lepto. Pets no longer have to go to remote ponds to drink contaminated water; the retention pond in their local subdivision may be contaminated with lepto from wild animals’ urine.

Symptoms
Leptospira can infect the blood and spread to the lymph nodes, liver, and kidneys. Signs of lepto mimic signs of many other diseases and include fever, lethargy, gastrointestinal upset, and loss of appetite. Other symptoms which may manifest are fever, joint pain, nausea, excessive drinking, and general malaise which can last up to a week.

Owners should be alerted when their pet displays signs of liver trouble, such as jaundice (yellowing of the eyes, skin, gums) or yellow foamy vomit; or signs of kidney problems, such as increased urination, dark or bloody urine, or unusual “accidents” in the house. Make no mistake, Lepto is a life-threatening disease; your veterinarian should be contacted immediately upon observation of these symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment
As leptospirosis can lead to liver or kidney failure if left untreated accurate diagnosis is critical. Blood tests typically cannot detect lepto antibodies until 2-3 weeks after infection.

Antibiotic treatment for lepto if the disease is caught early, yet of course prevention is the best medicine. Make sure dogs do not drink out of puddles or ponds outdoors; bring tap water for your dog or horse when taken on long outings. Always keep wild animals away from barns, food, and water supplies to prevent lepto and other diseases. Vaccination may also be advised.

Cats and some dogs may carry the bacteria without developing the disease, and as a result spread the disease without owners knowing. Since lepto can make humans ill, household sanitation is important. Pet owners should always wash their hands after touching their pet and cleaning household “accidents” and litter boxes. Those who camp should also protect themselves by filtering, boiling, or treating lake or stream water before drinking.

In Conclusion….
Because Leptospirosis is a contagious disease, your pet should not be allowed contact with other dogs until the urine is non-contagious. Your veterinarian will advise you as to the length of time necessary and the frequency of follow-up urinalysis. Please call our office if questions arise about your pet’s condition or treatment or if you feel your pet is not progressing as expected.

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