Leptospirosis, commonly called lepto, is a contagious bacterial infection that spreads through a mammal's bloodstream. It can affect both humans and animals and can be spread from animals to people.
The pathogen responsible for causing leptospirosis is the Leptospira bacteria. This disease is more common in wet and warm climates because the bacteria Leptospira thrives in water. Most cases in people are connected to recreational activities involving water rather than to direct transfer from a pet, although that is also possible.
Canine leptospirosis primarily affects the liver and kidneys and can become life-threatening. Many unvaccinated small breed dogs living in urban areas are at a higher risk for leptospirosis.
How Do Dogs Get Leptospirosis?
Dogs can contract the disease through direct contact with other infected animals. These infected animals include squirrels, rodents, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and deer.
If an infected animal urinates in lakes, streams, or soil, then your dog can get leptospirosis from any stagnant water surface that carries the urine from the infected wildlife.
The bacteria infiltrate the dog's body through the mucous membranes. Open sores or scratches increase a dog’s risk of contracting the disease, as bacteria are more likely to enter the bloodstream.
Types of Leptospirosis
Some strains of Leptospira are more likely to cause the disease than other strains. This is why there are three main types of the disease: hemorrhagic, icteric or jaundice, and renal (kidney) disease.
In the hemorrhagic type, the dog experiences a high fever. Loss of appetite and lethargy are also observed. You may also notice bleeding in the mouth and the whites of the eyes. Some other symptoms include bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
Icteric or jaundice leptospirosis initially has hemorrhagic symptoms. But you will notice that the eyes become yellow. In severe cases, the skin also turns yellow due to jaundice.
In renal disease, the bacterial infection affects the kidneys. This can cause kidney failure. Dogs with renal leptospirosis become lethargic. They lose their appetite and start vomiting. You may notice ulcers on the tongue. Excessive frequent urination, abdominal discomfort, and fever are also symptoms. Renal failure is fatal. It is important to watch for leptospirosis symptoms in dogs to get early diagnosis and treatment.
What Are the Clinical Symptoms of Leptospirosis?
Your dog will start to show symptoms after an incubation period of 4 to 20 days. The clinical signs of the disease largely depend on the organ most affected by the disease.
Here are the general symptoms of the disease:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Soreness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Elevated heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
Other symptoms linked with acute forms of the disease include the following:
- Yellowing of the eyes, skin, and gums
- Red eyes
- Sore muscles
- Depression
- Shivering
- Increased thirst and urination indicate kidney failure.
- Rapid dehydration
- Runny nose
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
How Is Leptospirosis Diagnosed?
Your vet will review your dog's medical history including vaccinations, take an oral history, and do a physical exam. After that, the vet will order a few laboratory tests to diagnose leptospirosis. The diagnostic tests include bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, radiology, and urinalysis.
These tests detect antibodies against leptospira in the bloodstream. Some tests also detect the bacteria in the tissue or body fluids. Other tests look for associated abnormalities.
What Is the Treatment for Leptospirosis in Dogs?
If your dog has severe disease, immediate hospitalization is necessary, as acute leptospirosis is fatal.
Treatment includes fluid therapy to reverse the effects of dehydration in infected dogs. If the dog experiences vomiting, an anti-vomiting drug is administered. For the loss of appetite, vets use a gastric tube to nourish your dog.
In case of severe hemorrhaging, a blood transfusion is necessary. Your veterinarian will also prescribe antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin. These antibiotics can treat bacterial infection in its early stages. If your dog requires intensive care, then vets prescribe doxycycline to ensure that leptospira bacteria are cleared.
The antibiotic course lasts for about four weeks. Your dog may experience some side effects of antibiotics, such as fever or diarrhea. But the medicines will save the dog from organ damage caused by leptospira.
How Can You Prevent Leptospirosis in Dogs?
There are different types of vaccinations available for the different strains of leptospirosis bacteria. You can speak to your vet about the lepto vaccination. It is not a part of a routine vaccination program. The lepto vaccine only minimizes the risk of infection, but annual shots may help boost your dog’s immunity to the disease.
