Perhaps you and your family, pets included, are traveling to a warmer part of the country for the holidays this year. After a long trip inside the car, everyone will likely want to stretch their legs — and if the family dog is along — perhaps take a dip in Uncle George’s pond. But lurking in that refreshing pond and the surrounding soil could be leptospira bacteria, the cause behind the enzootic leptospirosis.
Lepto can occur anywhere around the globe, but is more common in warm climates with high annual rainfall and found mostly in dogs. There are a currently identified 230 types of leptospira bacteria, all of which can be transmitted through the urine of an infected animal and can contaminate water and soil for up to six months. Risk factors for dogs include:
– Exposure or drinking from lakes, rivers and streams
– Trekking through rural properties
– Exposure to wild animals, livestock, rodents or other dogs
The clinical symptoms of lepto vary in dogs, from no signs of the disease to severe illness that becomes fatal. Symptoms include fever, shivering, tender muscles, lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst and changes in the frequency or amount of urination. If your dog has developed a severe form of the disease, she may develop kidney failure with or without additional liver failure.
The disease may be suspected by a veterinarian based on exposure history and symptoms, but many of these symptoms are also associated with other diseases. We may recommend blood and urine tests, x-rays and an ultrasound examination to properly diagnose suspected lepto in your dog.
When diagnosed early and treated aggressively, lepto is usually curable with antibiotics and supportive care. However, there is still a risk for permanent residual kidney or liver damage. The best treatment for the disease is prevention, as there are vaccines available and sources for infection can be avoided.
If you think your pup may be suffering from lepto or could be at a higher risk for developing the disease, contact our clinic!