Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospira. It is a zoonotic disease, this means that it can be spread between many species including dogs, cats, and humans. The condition is highly contagious and can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening symptoms if left untreated.
Causes of Leptospirosis
Leptospira bacteria thrive in water and can survive for long periods of time in the environment. Leptospirosis can be transmitted in various ways. These include contact with an infected animal or contaminated object, ingestion of infected meat, and exposure to infected soil, water, or urine. The bacteria can also penetrate the body through damaged skin. Leptospira bacteria are particularly prevalent in humid environments and bodies of stagnant water.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis
Please be aware that symptoms of leptospirosis can vary, and may be difficult to detect. It is important to visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs or symptoms of the condition.
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Muscle pain
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Jaundice
- Liver or kidney failure
Diagnosis of Leptospirosis
Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination to check for clinical signs of leptospirosis.
Routine diagnostic tests will be carried out to assess your pet’s overall health and rule out other causes of their symptoms. These may include a complete blood count, blood chemistry profile, and urinalysis. In addition, specialized tests such as a microscopic agglutination test and polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)test will often be performed to check for the presence of Leptospira bacteria and antibodies.
Treatment of Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is routinely treated with a course of antibiotics. In some cases, hospitalization and supportive care may be necessary. Other medications or treatments may also be given to address underlying health issues. Please follow your veterinarian’s treatment advice closely to aid your pet’s recovery.
Prevention of Leptospirosis
There are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of your pet contracting leptospirosis. Do not allow your pet to swim in bodies of water that may be contaminated with Leptospira bacteria. It is also important to discourage your pet from drinking standing water and minimize their contact with wildlife.
Finally, please speak to your veterinarian about vaccinating your pet against leptospirosis and schedule regular checkups to monitor your pet’s health.
