All you need to know about Leptospirosis
/Thinking about enjoying these beautiful warmer days enveloped in nature with your best fur friend by your side? Of course you are! And so are we here at South Bay! Although these wonderful shared outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, and dog park meet-ups, are much anticipated for both you and your pup, there also comes some notable risks that all pet owners should be aware of. One of these risks is a bacterial infection called Leptospirosis. This infection is caused by a zoonotic (transmissible to multiple species) bacteria called Leptospira. While dogs are the most species at risk, Leptospirosis in cats is extremely rare and mostly results in a very mild infection. In recent years, the infection rate for Leptospirosis in canines has been steadily increasing in both the United States and Canada with many strains that cause the disease.
The bacteria, Leptospira, is predominantly found in wet environments such as muddy soil, slow moving water, and stagnant puddles where wild animals such as raccoons, deer, rats, skunks, and opossums have urinated. Even areas of wet shaded grass, marsh, river banks, lake shores, and irrigated pastures can house this dangerous microbe. Spread occurs when a domestic dog drinks from one of these urine-contaminated wet areas, leading to the infection. Additionally, dog parks have become a more recent “red zone” for the spread of leptospirosis as asymptomatic infected dogs can also shed the bacteria through urination. While direct contact via ingestion is the most prevalent route of infection, Lesptospira can also penetrate the mucous membranes (in the nose, mouth, or eyelids) through open wounds such as cuts and scrapes. Other rarer and lesser known routes of infection are through a bite from an infected animal, breeding, ingestion of an infected carcass, and via placental transmission from mother to pups. After infection, the bacteria multiplies in the bloodstream, moves into the tissues, and then accumulates in the liver and kidneys.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis can vary greatly. Geographic location, strength of the animal’s immune system, and the strain of the bacteria all have a significant affect on the clinical signs of the infected animal. These symptoms range from nothing at all (an animal being asymptomatic), to mild infection, to the most severe cases that can become fatal. Asymptomatic dogs have previously recovered from an infection. These animals still have a minor amount of the bacteria in their system and become carriers, shedding the bacteria in low levels through their urine. Animals with a mild to severe infection show symptoms that can include fever, shivering, muscle soreness, weakness, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting (potentially with blood in vomit), diarrhea, depression, increased thirst and urination, inflammation of mucous membranes, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin, lining of the mouth, and whites of the eyes). Some dogs develop a cough and severe respiratory disease. Others can develop bleeding disorders leading to blood in the urine, feces, vomit, or saliva, nosebleeds, and red spots on the mucous membranes. A severe and potentially fatal infection of Leptospirosis usually leads to kidney and/or liver failure.
Unfortunately, routine blood testing and lab work cannot conclusively determine if an animal is infected with the Leptospira bacteria. However, in addition to abnormalities in the latter tests, a history of recent activities, potential exposure history, and exhibition of symptoms related to the infection can all provide valuable information and clues to potentially lead to a diagnosis. The most common specific tests to definitively identify Leptospirosis are DNA-PCR testing using blood or urine, or antibody testing for the bacteria in a blood sample.
Treatment of Leptospirosis, like it’s symptoms, can vary greatly and are determined based on the clinical signs that are displayed. These include inpatient or outpatient care such as antibiotics, fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, and dialysis (depending on severity).
Since Leptospira is a zoonotic bacteria, humans are at risk of infection when in contact with an infected dog. Humans potentially exhibit flu-like symptoms and it can even progress to liver and kidney disease. In most cases, humans become infected through recreational water activities. While pet owners and veterinary staff should take precautions when in contact with an infected dog (wearing masks, gloves, avoiding contact with urine, and regular hand-washing), transmission from pet to owner is less common.
Now for the good news! Leptospirosis can be prevented! Vaccines are available for dogs annually after their initial two boosters (that are administered one month apart). These vaccines are very effective, however, no vaccines can be 100% guaranteed so additional steps are required to aid in prevention. This can be achieved through avoidance of letting your dog drink standing water, at water banks, lakes, and ponds. Reduction of exposure to areas of potential Leptospira will significantly aid in lowering the risk of infection.
So as much as all of us at South Bay want you to enjoy your outdoor time with your furry friends, we also want you to be educated and aware of the potential risks involved. At South Bay Veterinary Clinic we stock the Leptospirosis vaccine so if you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment for the vaccine, just give us a call. We are always happy to help. Happy Summer everyone!
For more information and references please check out the following:
Allison, L. (2021, October 21). Leptospirosis in dogs: What it is and what you should know. PetMD. Retrieved May 22, 2022, from https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_leptospirosis
Leptospirosis. American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2022, from https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/leptospirosis
Lunn, K. F. (2022, April 18). Leptospirosis in dogs - generalized conditions. Merck Veterinary Manual. Retrieved May 22, 2022, from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/leptospirosis/leptospirosis-in-dogs
Ruotsalo, K., Tant, M., & Barnette, C. (n.d.). Prairie Dogs Diseases Prairie Dogs: Diseases: VCA Animal Hospital Prairie Dogs - diseases. VCA. Retrieved May 22, 2022, from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/leptospirosis-in-dogs-the-disease-and-how-to-test-for-it