Canine Leptospirosis Is On The Rise!!!

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease that affect people and animals. It is more common in the summer months and contaminated water is a main source of the disease.

In people signs of Leptospirosis include fever, chills, tremors, muscle pain and headache. Other signs like conjunctivitis, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes can also be seen. Meningitis, jaundice, renal failure, hemorrhage, or shock may develop in severe cases. Fortunately, mild leptospirosis with vague, flu-like symptoms that follow recovery is more common.

Animals and people can become infected while drinking, swimming or playing in water contaminated with urine of infected subjects.

The disease also can be transmitted through direct contact with urine, blood or tissues. The bacteria can enter through wet or slightly injured skin and intact mucus membranes, but it is generally not transmitted from person to person.

In dogs, Leptospirosis is an acute infection of the kidney and liver and, sometime, the whole body. Chronic kidney disease is a common sequella of infection. Infected females may become infertile or have persistent abortions.

Vague or mild signs contribute to under diagnosis but recent studies suggests that the prevalence of leptospirosis among dogs is on the rise. Herding, working, and gundog breed categories and sexually intact male dogs appear to be at the greatest risk.

There are many kinds of Leptospira, which make vaccinations difficult. Most dogs are routinely vaccinated for the major two types of the bacterium. It is important to note that since wildlife are a common reserve of Leptospira (rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, hedgehogs, voles, opossum, mole, hedgehog, fox, woodchuck, muskrats, deer and fox), and neighboring dogs may be carriers, even the back yard is not a safe place.Avoiding unsafe fresh water reservoirs, practicing pest and rodent control and providing adequate vaccinations significantly reduces the risk of contracting leptospirosis by your dogs and your family.

Your veterinarian can help you address the issue and provide you with more specific information.

Here is a link to another article that is very informative and goes into great detail about the disease, causes, and vaccinations.

http://www.labbies.com/lepto.htm