What
is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is formally known as
an anaerobic, gram-negative, spirochete bacteria, but more simplistically known
as a bad micro-organism that can cause disease in essentially all mammals.
Disease is not limited to our domesticated species, especially the dog, but can
also be found in many different wild life species and is found throughout the
world. The micro-organism particularly likes warm, moist climates and likes to
live in stagnant water. As well, depending on where you are in the world, there
are many different sub-types of leptospirosis that can all cause disease.
In our domestic animals, it is more
commonly associated with disease in dogs than in cats. However, recent research
shows that it may play a greater roll in cats than we suspected up to this
point. In animals that carry leptospirosis, the pathogen is shed in the urine. In
dogs, the most common route of infection is to come in contact either directly
with infected urine, or vegetation, dirt, food or water contaminated with urine.
The pathogen then penetrates through intact or cut skin, or directly through
mucus membranes. Although it can sometimes cause chronic disease, most animals
become acutely ill within 10 days.
Not only is leptospirosis a cause
of illness in dogs and possibly cats, it can also infect humans! This is a
zoonotic disease and special care should be taken with those animals where
infection is suspected. Especially to avoid direct contact with the animal’s
urine!
What should I
look out for?
What does leptospirosis illness
look like in your dog? Leptospirosis can affect many different body systems as
it spreads through the body via the bloodstream. Depending on the degree of
protection the dog has from its immune system, the severity of illness can
differ. However, it is important to look out for signs including: fever,
stiff muscles, weakness, vomiting, rapid dehydration, lethargy, drinking and
peeing more than usual, a new cough or difficulty breathing. The disease is
commonly associated with kidney disease, as the pathogen likes to live and
reproduce in the kidneys.
Diagnosis
The
diagnosis of leptospirosis can sometimes be a difficult one, as multiple tests
are needed for a definitive diagnosis. Not only does it require that we see if
the host body has developed antibodies to the pathogen, it is also important
that we try to find the leptospirosis organism itself within bodily organs and
tissues. Interpretation of the antibody tests can become difficult in older
animals and those who have previously received the vaccine. Therefore, repeated
tests are often necessary. To detect to organism in bodily tissues, highly
skilled laboratory workers are needed, and even then there is question about
the diagnostic quality.
Treatment
Due to the difficulty diagnosing this
infection, immediate treatment is necessary when it is suspected. If infected
with acute clinical signs, the disease can be life threatening. Treatment is
limited to supportive care and anti-biotic medications, including hydration
therapy to help support the kidneys and other affected organs. The focus is to
help prevent dehydration, to provide treatment for any other clinical signs such
as anti-nausea and liver support medications and to start the patient on strong,
effective antibiotics (doxycycline is most commonly used).
How
can I prevent it?
As mentioned previously, there are
different types of leptospirosis causing disease in different parts of the
world. Right now, there is a vaccine against the subtypes Canicola, Icterohemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, and Pomona as these are most commonly
associated with disease. The vaccine is proven to be quite efficacious at
helping prevent clinical disease, reduce shedding in the urine, and help
prevent invasion of the kidneys. Immunity can last up to 12 months, and so
annual repetition of the vaccine is necessary for continued protection.
However, it is important to keep in mind that dogs may still become infected
with other subtypes even when vaccinated.
Furthermore, extra care can be
taken to prevent unvaccinated dogs from being exposed in marshy/muddy areas,
ponds, stagnant puddles and to wildlife in general.
Dr. Liske Bruinsma
https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood/primary/team/liske-bruinsma
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