- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS-
Leptospirosis Risks, Symptoms, & Treatment
With all the recent wet weather and flooding, the risk of Leptospirosis increases throughout the area. This serious bacterial disease can affect dogs, wildlife, and people, so it ' s important to be aware of what we can do to prevent our pets from being affected.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause severe illness, including liver and kidney failure. It ' s commonly spread through contaminated water, such as puddles and floodwater, as well as urine from rodents, like rats and mice. While cats can contract leptspirosis, it ' s extremely rare. Dogs are the most vulnerable. But it is zoonotic, which means it can spread to humans, and children, the elderly, or anyone immunocompromised are most susceptible. Wear gloves when cleaning up any vomit or diarrhea your dog may be experiencing and clean affected areas with disinfectant.
Signs of Leptospirosis in dogs can be vague, but may include:
Fever • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Lethargy • Loss of appetite • Jaundice( yellowing of gums or eyes) Increased drinking and urination • Blood in urine or feces • Muscle tenderness
While the possibility of your pet contracting leptospirosis is scary, there are definitive ways to help prevent it:
• Avoid letting pets drink from puddles or play in flood water.
• Prevent dogs and cats from consuming deceased rodents.
• Wash your pet ' s paws after wet walks.
• Do not let your dog swim in stagnant and potentially contaminated bodies of water.
• Control rodent populations around your home and yard to help reduce the risk of transmission.
• Talk with your veterinarian about the benefits vs risks of the leptospirosis vaccine for dogs.( There currently is no leptospirosis vaccine available for cats.)
If you suspect your dog may have been infected with leptospirosis, especially after being exposed to outdoor water sources, get him or her to your veterinarian promptly. Because the symptoms are similar to many other diseases, leptospirosis can be difficult to diagnose without laboratory testing. Your vet will conduct blood tests to scan for elevated liver and kidney enzymes. Specialized tests to check for the presence of bacteria in your dog ' s blood or urine may also be ordered.
Contracting leptospirosis can lead to serious illness, even death. If your dog shows signs of illness, especially after being exposed to outdoor water sources, seek veterinary care immediately. The earlier the treatment is started, the better the chance for survival. Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as doxycycline, which can effectively eliminate the bacteria. Supportive care, including intravenous fluids and medications to control symptoms, may also be necessary, especially in severe cases involving organ damage. With prompt medical attention, many dogs recover fully, though some may have lasting kidney or liver issues. Sometimes, a hospital stay is required. Protecting your dog from leptospirosis also helps protect your family from this zoonotic disease.
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Pawsitively Pets-- July