What is Leptospirosis And Should I Be Concerned? 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is contracted by animals from animals. It is a disease that veterinary industry experts recommend vaccinating dogs against. This is because Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.  However, there are still plenty of veterinarians who do not vaccinate their canine patients for Leptospirosis. This means there are many dogs (and wildlife) that are infected with Leptospirosis and consequently, shedding the disease. There really is no way to know which animals have it and which don’t.

Leptospirosis is caused by a spirochete bacterium called leptospira. Leptospires travel across mucous membranes and broken skin. People become infected with Leptospirosis from contaminated soil or water as well as from direct contact with the urine, saliva or blood of an infected animal. Animals that carry Leptospirosis can include cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, foxes, raccoons, squirrels and many others.

Clinical signs of Leptospirosis are often nonspecific. They include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness and stiffness.  Leptospires multiply quickly once they enter the blood stream and spread to many organs, primarily the kidneys and liver. The severity of the disease depends on a number of factors including the immune system of the animal or human being exposed and the virulence of the organism being transmitted.  

Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics but the success directly correlates to how ill the patient is and how soon the disease is diagnosed.  It is important to seek medical attention for your pets from your veterinarian or for yourself from your physician as early as possible. The severity of disease can vary as can the speed at which it replicates in the body. 

To help prevent leptospirosis, all dogs should be vaccinated against the disease.  The vaccine does not provide 100% protection as there are many types of leptospirosis.  At New Hartford Animal Hospital, we vaccinate with most technologically advanced vaccine which protects against the four most common strains found in the USA.  Because this is a bacterial disease, the highest level of protection is achieved by vaccinating your dog biannually. Many pet owners are reluctant to vaccinate twice a year but even once a year provides some protection. Not only by vaccinating are you protecting your dog but also your family. 

Other steps to prevent leptospirosis include rodent control and avoiding any contact with urine and blood from your pet or other animals.  As always, good hygiene is paramount in preventing disease.   

For more information on Leptospirosis in humans visit: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/leptospirosis.html