Leptospirosis Dogs

Canine Leptospirosis

Canine Leptospirosis is a disease that has not been of much of a concern to Coloradoan dogs or their owners in recent years; however, a number of cases have been diagnosed in the west Denver metro area and Boulder County in the last year and have received a great deal of local media attention. Having a general understanding of this disease can help us prevent our pets and ourselves from a serious and possibly fatal infection.

It is also of concern to the general public because it is a zoonotic disease which means that other animals including humans can contract the disease (AKA: Weil's disease). Leptospira has a world wide distribution and is most prevalent in warm, wet climates. In rural areas, pigs and cattle are the primary reservoirs of disease for dogs.

Leptospira enters the body through the skin or mucous membranes (gums or conjunctiva) after contact has occurred with contaminated water or soil. The bacterium rapidly enters the blood stream and disseminates to all parts of the body within two to three days. Clinical signs that your dog may demonstrate include joint or muscle pain, fever, vomiting and diarrhea (possibly bloody), jaundice, depression or lethargy, increased frequency of drinking and urination, difficulty breathing, eye problems, and acute or sudden death. Diagnosis has historically been very challenging to veterinarians; however, a new technological test has been developed to make diagnosis much easier. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, bacteria culture from urine, blood-antibody titers, and the new polymerase chain reaction technology test. If diagnosis is rapidly attained, treatment can be initiated. Fortunately, Leptospira is sensitive to antibiotics such as Penicillin and Ciprofloxacin; however, success of treatment will depend on the severity of the disease and the amount of damage the internal organs have sustained.

Next page: Lethargic Dogs

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