Protect Your Dog From
Leptospirosis
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Leptospirosis is a contagious
disease that affects animals as well as humans.
Caused by a group of organisms called lepterospira
interrogans (within such species there are different
strains), the disease can lead to chronic liver and
kidney disease and even death in dogs.
Eight of the different strains give off different
types and levels of disease which depends upon the
animal that they infect. The disease causes
more problems in dogs. Not until recently, the
vaccines that were available are only for two types
of bacteria namely, Leptospirosis canicola and L.
icterhaemorrhagiae, has virtually wiped out the clinical
ailment associated with these strains between the
immunized dog population. Vaccines for two other additional
types of bacteria, L. grippotyphosa and L. Pomona
are now readily available.
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The leptospira organism
Leptospires grow well in water, appearing in a spiral shaped
long body with hooks on both ends. They are called
"aquatic spirochetes". They are of two species, Leptospira
biflexa and Leptospira interogans which cause disease in
animals and humans. Leptospira interogans is divided
into strains based upon antigen (stimulates the production
of antibodies) types, providing very little cross immunity
opposed to one serovar and the host, which is the
dog that has developed resistance to one strain either by
vaccination or through former infection, will not be capable
in repelling an infection brought about by a different strain.
Sources of infection
Bacteria carriers are generally rats and other rodents,
though an infected dog can also be a source of infection.
The most significant means of transmitting the disease is
through urine ingestion and other forms of bacteria will
penetrate very thin skin.
Leptospirosis transmission
The disease is transmitted when the animal comes in contact
with the urine of other infected animals, through bite wounds
and absorption of an infected tissue.
Indirect transmission happens when dogs wade in or drink
contaminated water or food. Since stagnant water provides
a very appropriate environment for the leptospira, dogs
that wade in it get infected.
Infections are common in the fall and in summer because
the survival of the organism is highly reduced by freezing.
Symptoms
During the first four to twelve days following the infection,
the dog will have fever and experience
shivering, vomiting, appetite loss, depression, conjunctivitis
and pain.
In severe cases, the infected dog may develop hypothermia
(abnormally low body temperature) eventually become depressed
and die even before a kidney or liver breakdown.
Diagnosis
A microscopic agglutination test is performed on a blood
sample of a suspected animal from a laboratory. This
can test for individual strains and the animal's level of
antibody (titer) to combat these strains.
Depending on the titer's level, a positive diagnosis to
the precise and specific strain can then be made.
It will be helpful if many samples are drawn and tested
as titers may have negative results in the first ten days
after the infection, and former immunization shots may give
an elevated titer and should be taken into consideration
during the interpretation of the titers.
In dogs that are severely infected, they are expected to
shed the leptospira organism in their urine, thus when a
urine sample is taken and cultured, it can give a positive
diagnosis. This is not the best way however, because
the individual getting the sample may be at risk.
Treatment
Treatment usually will consist of antibiotics, fluid replacement
for rehydration through intravenous as well as controlling
the dog's vomiting through antiemetics and other problems
related to liver or kidney infections. Note that dehydration
must be correct within six to twelve hours.
Penicillin or one of its byproduct is the antibiotic that
is given to treat early infection, after which, doxycycline
is used for cure and prevention of possible continuing carrier
state.
Prevention through vaccination
Currently, there are many vaccines available for a large
variety of species. Chemically inactivated (killed
species) vaccines are available for dogs and whole culture
vaccine which causes the dog vaccine reactions. Before,
leptospiral vaccines only protect against L. canicola and
L. icterohaemorrhagiae. Only in the year 2000 that
a new vaccine was developed to also protect dogs
from L. grippotyphosa and L. pomona.
Prevention through other
forms:
1. Solve your rodent problem in the home, keep it
well under control.
2. Keep away stagnant water. Make sure to clean
and take stagnant water out every corner of your yard, so
your dog will not be tempted to drink and to play in it.
3. Mow your lawn regularly.
4. Always provide clean drinking water for your dog.
5. Always be sensitive to your pet's condition.
If he shows any abnormal signs, take him to the veterinarian
immediately.
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