The disease was first discovered in Germany by Weil in 1886. It is one of the zoonotic diseases that is mostly seen in animals but can also be transmitted to humans and has many names. This disease, which is frequently seen in animals such as cows, pigs and dogs, is also known as Weil or pig herder. Bacteria that cause disease are generally found in soil and water.
What Is Leptospirosis in Dogs?
Leptospirosis is a common disease caused by bacteria and usually occurs in hot and humid climates. The bacteria in question cause infection in dogs and cause the disease. Dogs are most affected by this disease worldwide. To protect dogs from leptospirosis disease, they should be kept away from unclean waters and urine of other animals. Diagnosed dogs should be isolated from other animals. Since Leptospira bacteria can also be transmitted through the skin, people should not touch infected dogs without gloves. In dogs, leptospirosis can cause liver or kidney failure in the later stages.
How is Leptospirosis Disease Transmitted?
Transmission in leptospirosis can occur through direct contact with infected urine or through the skin. Unlike other cutaneous diseases, leptospirosis can also be transmitted through undamaged skin. In addition, the disease; In addition to ingestion of infected tissues and fluids, it can also be transmitted through placental and mating.
Dogs' skin or mucous membranes can become infected by contact, as a result of bacteria getting into water, soil or any surface. Dogs with skin sores are at higher risk of infection.
Dogs that survive the infection can carry the disease agent in their urine for months and scatter it around. Therefore, the diagnosed dog must be isolated from other animals.
The Importance of Vaccination in Preventing Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis can be prevented by vaccination. For this reason, it is important to vaccinate dogs at the right age.
Leptospirosis Symptoms in Dogs
Since the symptoms can vary from dog to dog, it can be confused with different diseases. After the disease agent enters the body, it spreads and multiplies rapidly in organs and tissues. Clinical signs can range from mild symptoms to coma. Fever, muscle softening, jaundice, pathological drowsiness can be observed. In acute infections, more blood vomiting, bloody urine, bloody stools, nosebleeds and chronic active hepatitis symptoms can be seen. Organs of infected dogs that are commonly affected by the disease are:
- Kidney
- Liver
- Spleen
- Eyelash
- Genital systems
The most common clinical signs in dogs are as follows:
- High fever
- Jaundice
- Depression
- Tiredness
- Inactivity
- Pain in the muscles
- Pain when urinating and blood in the urine
- Appetite and weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Tremor
- Cough
- Vomiting
- Runny nose
How to Diagnose Leptospirosis?
The diagnosis of leptospirosis in dogs is made according to the results of the examination carried out under the control of a veterinarian. The methods that can be applied for diagnosis can be listed as follows:
- Physical examination: The veterinarian checks for signs of infection by clinical examination.
- Blood tests: The presence of antibodies is examined to help determine if the dog is infected.
- Urine test: It is examined whether the bacteria causing the infection are in the urine.
- Biopsy: Rarely, microscopic examination is done to look for infected tissue.
How to Treat Leptospirosis Disease?
In leptospirosis, fluid therapy is used as a treatment method to prevent dehydration. Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics and supportive care. If the disease is diagnosed before the symptoms worsen and appropriate treatment methods are applied, the chance of recovery is high. Even if dogs recover from this disease after treatment, they may have to deal with permanent kidney or liver damage.
How to Care for Dogs Suffering from Leptospirosis?
It is very important to take the necessary precautions against the possibility of re-infection in dogs who have completed the treatment of leptospirosis and to provide suitable conditions in their living spaces. Some of the measures to be taken after the treatment ends are as follows:
- Gloves must be worn when it is necessary to touch dogs.
- Areas where dogs urinate, vomit or leave any body fluids should be disinfected with disinfectants.
- Gloves and masks should be used during the cleaning process and should be disposed of properly.
Is Leptospirosis Transmitted to Humans?
Although rare, the disease can be transmitted from dogs to humans. For this reason, the person or people who take care of the dog should pay extra attention to the hygiene rules during the disease processes.
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