LEPTOSPIROSIS

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria that are spread via the urine of infected animals. It is a serious zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread to humans by contact with infected urine.

There are two forms of the disease that are commonly seen:

Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae (Weil’s disease)

The rat is the main carrier of the disease. Transmission to dogs is either directly via contact with infected urine, or indirectly via contact with contaminated water eg: drinking or swimming in canals or rivers inhabited by infected rats. The symptoms can vary from mild non-specific signs such as lethargy and depression, to more severe signs such as abdominal pain, jaundice, liver damage and even death. Dogs that have been infected may go on to become carriers so shedding the bacteria in their urine.

Leptospira canicola

The dog is the main carrier of disease. This form of disease primarily affects the kidneys and clinical signs can vary from mild and non-specific, to kidney failure or sudden death. Again, dogs that recover from the disease can become carriers and shed the bacteria in their urine.

Who is at risk?

All dogs, as well as humans are at risk. As such, it is important to protect animals from this bacteria through annual vaccination.

How is it spread?

After ingestion of the bacteria, the leptospires enter the blood stream via the mucous membranes. This is followed by a rapid replication in several tissues such as the kidney, liver and spleen. The bacteria is then excreted via the animal’s urine back into the environment.

How will the vet know what is wrong?

Your vet will suspect that your dog might have leptospirosis from the symptoms that you describe, your dog's vaccination history and the findings on physical examination. A blood test may show a severe decrease in the white blood cell number and/or damage to the liver and kidneys. Further analysis of the blood may also indicate exposure to Leptospirosis.

Management of leptospirosis

Although leptospirosis can cause death in dogs, it is a treatable disease. However, treatment does not guarantee survival; individuals may require aggressive therapy such as a blood transfusion. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is also imperative.

Vaccination

Prevention through vaccination is far better than cure. An improved leptospirosis vaccine is now available that offers a superior level of benefit and protection to dogs and humans alike. This vaccine is the only one of the market that has a licensed claim to inhibit renal shedding, which stops the spread of bacteria via the urine or infected animals. It is important to re-vaccinate your dog on a yearly basis to continue the optimum level of protection - studies have shown that protection starts to wane after 12 months.