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Leptospirosis - Is Your Pet At Risk ?
Leptospirosis - Is Your Pet At Risk ? by Cheyenne Pratt , Vet Technician , Calico Creek Vets
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be passed through infected urine into various water sources . It can infect wildlife , pets , and people . The bacteria that cause leptospirosis can be found in just about any area , regardless if it ' s rural , urban , or suburban . Fresh water sources such as rivers , creeks , streams , ponds , puddles , etc ., are all sources of infection . Moist soil and urine from wildlife and rodents can also be contaminated with the bacteria . Infection can be spread by swimming , drinking , and even walking through contaminated water or other areas frequented by wildlife and rodents .
The bacteria can enter the bloodstream through mucous membranes , such as the eyes , nose , and mouth , or even through a cut in the skin . In the early stages of infection , leptospirosis can be tricky to diagnose , because it shares the same symptoms of many other diseases , including loss of appetite , vomiting , diarrhea , fever , lethargy , weakness , dehydration , and depression . Another symptom is a yellow appearance in the whites of the eyes and gums , also known as jaundice . Leptospirosis can cause kidney and liver failure , and may even be fatal . Your veterinarian can diagnose it with blood and / or urine tests . The treatment can be both extensive and expensive , and requires antibiotics and sometimes additional care , such as IV fluids , dialysis , plasma transfusions , and oxygen support . It is possible for dogs infected with the leptospirosis bacteria to transmit it to humans .
The U . S . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there up to 200 human cases a year . It ' s estimated that about 10 % of humans infected with leptospirosis got it from their pet . Generally , it is not fatal to humans , but does cause severe illness . The owner of a dog diagnosed with lepto should avoid contact with its dog ' s urine and use disinfectants to clean any areas contaminated with urine . It ' s also important to wash hands after handling an infected pet . Dogs with leptospirosis should urinate in an area not close to any bodies of water the family uses , until treatment with antibiotics is completed . The best way to prevent a leptospirosis infection is to have your dog vaccinated for it annually . If you suspect your dog has leptospirosis , contact your vet immediately ; prompt treatment will increase your dog ' s recovery success .
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Pawsitively Pets -- September
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Recalls :
Viva , North Carolina : Recalling one lot of Viva Turkey For Dogs , Viva Beef & Turkey For Puppies , Viva Turkey For Dogs ( Ground ), Viva Turkey For Dogs ( Chunked ), and Viva Turkey For Cats , due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination . Info : 919-371-8882 Monday-Friday , 9am-5pm EST . ( 7 / 2 / 24 )
TDBBS LLC , Richmond , VA : Recalling Green Tripe dog treats due to the potential presence of foreign metal objects in the dog treat . The recall is limited to certain lots distributed from February to May 2024 and sold nationwide in retail stores and through online mail orders . Info : 877-583-5853 . ( 6 / 20 / 24 )
Mars Petcare , Chicago , Illinois : Recalling Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food , 44 pound bags , sold by Walmart in Arkansas , Louisiana , Oklahoma , and Texas . Recall due to potential presence of loose metal pieces in the bag , which could pose a choking hazard . Info : 1-800-525-5273 / online at www . pedigree . com / update . ( 5 / 17 / 24 )
Viva , North Carolina : Recalling one lot of Viva Duck for Dogs ( Ground ), Viva Duck for Dogs ( Chunked ), Viva Duck for Cats , and Viva Pure Duck ( for cats and dogs ) due to potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination . Info : ( 919 ) 371-8882 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday . ( 1 / 27 / 24 )
Source : dogfoodadvisor . com , amva . org
Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic
Dogs - Cats - Ferrets - Pocket Pets
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