Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira, affecting mammals, including dogs, humans, livestock, common backyard visitors such as rats, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and deer, and other wildlife. Infected animals shed the bacteria in their urine, and infection spreads through contact with mucous membranes or open wounds. The bacteria can survive in urine-soaked soil for weeks or months. Common sources of infection include contaminated water, such as stagnant ponds, lakes, or puddles. This means that dogs of all lifestyles are at risk of infection.
Leptospirosis can initially be difficult to diagnose, as the signs of infection tend to be non-specific. Some infected dogs may remain asymptomatic, and others may only experience mild illness and eventually recover. Still others may experience severe illness as the disease progresses, leading to kidney and/or liver failure, or even death. Some signs of leptospirosis include:
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes)
- Drinking or urinating more than usual
- Weight loss
- Stiffness or muscle pain
The good news is there are ways to prevent your dog from contracting Leptospirosis, including an effective vaccine that is now considered part of the core vaccine series for dogs by both the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The vaccine is initially given as a two-booster series separated by 2-4 weeks, then annually thereafter. It is recommended to repeat the two-vaccine series if it has been more than 3 months since the annual due date. Leptospirosis is zoonotic to people, so keeping up on your dog’s Leptospirosis vaccine can help protect you as well.
Beyond vaccinating your dog (because no vaccine is 100% effective), you can prevent leptospirosis by reducing potential exposure to Leptospira bacteria.
- Don’t allow your dog to swim in or drink from stagnant or slow-moving sources of water, especially around farms, or areas frequented by wildlife.
- Discourage your dog from interacting with wildlife, even carcasses.
Thankfully, treatment is available after diagnosis, although early intervention can play a large role in its efficacy. If you have any concerns your dog is showing signs of Leptospirosis, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
If you are interested in more information on Leptospirosis, you can visit the pages listed below:
