Protect
Your Dog From Leptospirosis
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.
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.
Learn Holistic At-Home Remedies from Dr.
Andrew Jones by
downloading this "Healing Your Pets At Home" FREE
book Now!
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