What is leptospirosis in dogs?

Leptospirosis is a potentially severe bacterial disease that can afflict dogs, humans, and other mammals. This infection can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, and even be fatal. In today's post, our Central Illinois vets explain the causes, signs, and treatment of leptospirosis in dogs. 

Canine Leptospirosis 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can negatively affect your dog's long-term health. It can also afflict farm animals and even other people in your household. This infection occurs when the bacterium Leptospira (found in water and soil all over the world) contaminates a substance through contact with an infected animal's urine. Dogs typically become infected by swimming, walking through, or drinking contaminated water. 

While this bacteria has been found almost everywhere, it most commonly occurs in warmer climates with high amounts of rainfall. The disease has slowly made its way into areas of the United States like Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. 

Leptospirosis is as zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. People can contract leptospirosis from contaminated water sources, livestock, wild animals, and their pets. Most leptospirosis outbreaks in people are caused by coming into contact with contaminated water. 

Symptoms of Leptospirosis in Dogs 

Leptospirosis can cause the following symptoms in dogs: 

Causes of Leptospirosis in Dogs 

Regardless of where they live (in the country or a busy urban downtown), dogs are at risk of contracting leptospirosis. That said, several factors increase your dog's risk of contracting leptospirosis, such as:

• Exposure to wild animals or farm animal species that may pass infected urine, even in your backyard 
• Drinking from puddles, rivers, lakes, or streams 
• Contact with rodents, such as mice, rats, squirrels, or chipmunks 
• Contact with infected dogs (like in urban areas, facilities where multiple dogs are housed, or dog parks) 

Testing for Leprospirosis

The gold standard for diagnosing leptospirosis is the microscopic agglutination test, which detects the presence of antibodies against Leptospira in the dog's blood. If the level of antibodies (called a "titer") is high enough, infection is confirmed.

Preventing & Treating Leptospirosis in Dogs

As with many other diseases, preventing leptospirosis is far more beneficial than treating it. If your dog hasn't been immunized against leptospirosis, consult your veterinarian to see if your pup should have the leptospirosis vaccine based on their lifestyle.

If the disease is diagnosed and treated early, the chance of a dog surviving leptospirosis is around 80%. However, their kidney and liver function can be severely impaired. Thus, it's always best to prevent the disease with vaccination.

Our vets at Pekin Veterinary Clinic offer the leptospirosis vaccination for dogs between 10 and 12 weeks of age as part of our regular vaccination schedule. After your dog has had their initial leptospirosis vaccination, they will require a booster shot three to four weeks later. Beyond that, annual vaccinations will be required to protect your dog throughout its lifetime.

Because leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans, if you suspect your dog is infected, avoid touching their urine with your bare skin and always wash your hands after petting them. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning any areas that your dog may have soiled, and disinfect any areas where your dog has urinated. Using a diluted bleach solution or a household disinfectant is one of the best ways to disinfect your home.

Leptospirosis can be treated with prescription antibiotics, which can also prevent other members of your household from becoming infected.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Wondering if your dog should have the leptospirosis vaccine? Our Central Illinois vets can assess your dog's risk for contracting this disease and others, and administer appropriate vaccinations. Contact us today to book an appointment.