Leptospirosis is a serious, life-threatening disease caused by a spiral shaped bacteria. Dogs, cats, and other animals can be infected through exposure to urine, bite wounds, eating an infected animal, contact with contaminated soil, water and even bedding. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can transmit from animals to us.
Certain environmental conditions can favor leptosporosis: standing water, rain, floods and warm moist weather. Pets living under these conditions, especially those who live primarily outdoors or are used for activities like hunting or herding are at a higher risk of being infected. Leptosporosis can quickly spread through the body causing symptoms like fever, joint pain, excessive drinking and general malaise.
Eventually leptosporosis settle in the kidneys or liver where it rapidly multiplies leading to organ inflammation, organ failure and possibly death.
People infected with leptospirosis show the same symptoms as pets: fever, joint pain, excessive drinking and general malaise. Most often people contract the disease when their mucous membranes or open wounds come into contact with the urine or other bodily fluids of an infected animal.
Repeated blood tests 2 to 4 weeks apart are recommended for diagnosis. This test detects the presence of antibodies the body produces after being exposed to leptosporosis. Recent vaccination against leptospirosis can make diagnosis difficult as vaccines stimulate the body to create similar antibodies. New technology has made rapid tests available.
Antibiotics and supportive care are crucial for pets that become affected by the disease. Intravenous fluids help maintain blood flow through the damaged organs. Special precautions should be observed when cleaning up any urine or bodily fluids from an infected patient.