 The diagnosis of leptospirosis in dogs has increased in the Chicago area over the past few years due to increasing prevalence of the leptospira bacteria in the environment as well as increasing vigilance in the veterinary community. We see several cases per year of Leptospirosis at Pulaski Animal Hospital. That is sad because this dangerous and potentially fatal disease has a good vaccine to prevent it; leptospirosis is preventable disease. Leptospirosis is the disease caused by spiral bacteria called Leptospira. These bacteria can infect rats, mice, voles, shrews, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opossums, foxes, reptiles, frogs, cows, horses, pigs, deer, dogs, sea lions, and hedgehogs. Cats are particularly resistant to leptospirosis. The larger mammals such as cows, horses, pigs, etc will show overt signs of illness while the rodents do not.
Transmission. Leptospira is passed in the urine of infected animals, and they can shed for months after initial infection. Transmission to other animals occurs mostly through exposure to infected urine. Standing water is often contaminated from the urine of infected animals. The leptospira bacteria prefer warm weather; therefore, incidence of disease is highest in this area from late summer to early winter. During wet weather the disease also increases. Occasionally the disease can be acquired from contact with contaminated soil, food, water or bedding. The bacteria can enter the body through several routes: oral (contact with urine), through broken skin (bite wounds or lacerations; or by ingestion of infected tissues or animals.
Infection. After entrance to the body, the bacteria enters the blood stream and is carried primarily to the kidneys and liver with other tissues such as spleen, pancreas, central nervous system, genital tract and eyes possibly affected. Therefore, most clinical signs of leptospirosis relate to kidney and or liver disease, but other signs derived from inflammation of the muscles, central nervous system, blood vessels, or eyes might be seen. Most cases in dogs present with kidney insufficiency or failure, hepatitis, fever, or inflammation in the eye. Signs can occur very quickly and be severe, or, they may be subtle and slowly progressive.
This disease can be fatal, and mortality varies with the animal and the serotype involved.
Leptospirosis can occur in people, and they are usually exposed via infected urine. If your dog has been diagnosed with leptospirosis, gloves should always be worn when treating the dog, cleaning the dog's cage, dish, or utensils. Goggles and protective facemasks should be used when washing contaminated areas.
Leptospirosis is a disease of great public health significance. Fatalities are low in healthy individuals but may be as high as 20% in people with chronic kidney disease.
Vaccine. Dogs can be protected from contracting Leptospirosis via vaccine. Most, but not all, dogs are candidates for this vaccine. Please ask about our protocol next time you are here with your dog. |
