Leptospirosis in Dogs: Understanding, Preventing, and Treating

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by various strains of the genus Leptospira bacteria. Leptospirosis mostly affects the kidney and liver of a dog and causes severe illness or even death. There are 68 species of the genus Leptospira and infection is caused by eight species. This is a zoonotic disease (i.e. it spreads between humans and animals) and affects both humans and animals, including dogs but cats rarely get any infection. 

The leptospira bacteria live in warm and moist environments, especially in stagnant water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals. They spread easily during heavy rains. In dogs, leptospirosis causes extreme health complications and even death of dogs if left untreated. 

Dogs are at risk of leptospira worldwide but especially those who live in warm or moist places. Studies have shown that one in three dogs with liver or kidney disease are infected by leptospira. Dogs that spend time outdoors or in rural areas, especially those with access to bodies of water, are at a higher risk of exposure to the Leptospira bacteria.

How is Leptospirosis transmitted?

• Ponds, lakes, or streams where the water is slow-moving or stagnant such places are harboring bacteria leptospira. They grow and spread very easily in dirty water.  
• Wild animals such as raccoons, rats, rodents, skunks, or opossums are the carriers of leptospira. Dogs can get leptospira by direct contact with wild animals or their urines. Dogs can also get leptospirosis through contact with the water, soil, or food that is contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
• If a human or other pet has leptospirosis, the dog can contract leptospirosis due to contact with that sick human or pet. The bacteria easily enter the body through mucous membranes (such as the eyes, nose, or mouth), as well as through cuts or wounds on the skin.

What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?

Symptoms of leptospirosis appear between 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to germs. Symptoms can vary depending upon the species of Leptospira causing infection and it also mimics other illnesses, making it challenging to diagnose. Common signs of leptospirosis include 

• Shivering
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Blood in urine or feces
• Muscle pain or stiffness

It can also cause respiratory issues and hemorrhage. If bacteria are affecting the liver your dog may get jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes. If bacteria are attacking the kidney your dog may have increased thirst and urination along with the above-mentioned symptoms. When disease becomes extreme dogs develop kidney or liver failure. It can cause pulmonary hemorrhage. It also causes damage to other organs of the body as bacteria circulate throughout the body with blood. 

How is leptospirosis in dogs diagnosed?

It is difficult to diagnose leptospirosis because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. Leptospira takes some time to grow, and sometimes tests for diagnosis of lepto disease in dogs also come negative at an early stage of the disease. So proper diagnosis of disease is important for appropriate treatment.  Your veterinarian may take a complete history and after a thorough physical examination, he may recommend some tests. Major tests for diagnosis of lepto disease in dogs include

• • Antibody-Based Tests 
• • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on blood and urine (Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detects the presence of Leptospira DNA in the blood or urine).
• • Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) measures antibodies to the Leptospira bacteria in the dog’s blood.
• Urinalysis (Urine analysis can reveal abnormalities associated with kidney involvement).

Sometimes an X-ray of the chest is performed to check for pulmonary hemorrhage.

How is leptospirosis treated in dogs?

Lepto disease in dogs is mostly treated with antibiotics such as penicillin and doxycycline to eliminate the bacteria. Antibiotics are very effective in treating lepto disease. 

In severe cases, when organs are affected hospitalization is necessary for proper treatment. Intravenous therapies and other medications are used to treat kidney and liver problems. If there is extreme damage to the liver, kidney, or other organs further hospitalization and treatments are required. Dogs with organ failure are less likely to survive. That is why early detection and immediate proper treatment are essential for a successful recovery.

How to prevent lepto disease in dogs?

Leptospirosis can be prevented by following some preventive measures.

• 1-Train your dog to avoid drinking from stagnant water of lakes, puddles, or ponds. 
• 2-Also train them to avoid sniffing and eating outside. 
• 3- Keep a water bottle, snacks, and a clean bowl with you for your dog when going outside. 
• 4- Additionally, vaccinate your dog with leptospirosis vaccine regularly to boost their immunity against infection.

How to take care of and manage a dog with Leptospirosis?

Once you take your dog home after a hospital visit, make sure to follow all veterinary instructions. Give medicine on time and provide proper rest to your dog. Closely monitor the condition of your dog for any betterment or deterioration. Follow-up appointments with the veterinarian are essential to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Is there any vaccine for Leptospirosis in dogs?

Dogs can be protected from leptospirosis with a variety of available vaccinations. Usually, the strains of Leptospira bacteria that have the greatest distribution in a specific region are the focus of these vaccinations. Dogs that live in rural or suburban regions, have an outdoor lifestyle, or are otherwise at high risk of exposure are usually advised to get vaccinated. Vaccination for leptospirosis is essential for some boarding kennels as it spreads easily in crowded areas. Once you vaccinate your dog, it is advised to get booster shots regularly. In order to maintain protection, it is vital that you adhere to your veterinarian’s instructions about vaccination schedules and booster shots.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, dogs can easily contract leptospirosis, which is a potentially dangerous bacterial infection and causes a variety of symptoms, from a little sickness to possibly life-threatening outcomes. Dog owners can prevent leptospirosis and protect the health and well-being of their beloved furry friends by having knowledge of transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of the disease. Dogs must receive routine veterinary care, including vaccinations and preventative measures, to stay protected against this transmissible illness.