Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a spirochete (a spiral-shaped bacterium) that attacks the dog's kidneys and liver, creating some of the symptoms common in hepatitis. The spirochete is transmitted by the urine of an infected dog or an infected rat. The dog licks the contaminated urine, which contains the spirochete. Or else he gets the contaminated urine on his coat or paws, which he then licks. Leptospirosis is more common where the dog has some contact with rats or rat droppings and urine. It is a world-wide disease, with an incubation period of 5 to 15 days.

Unfortunately, the dog can carry the leptospiral spirochete even while seemingly healthy or after recovery, and on very rare occasions can transmit it to humans. The best way to prevent the ailment is through inoculation, usually given now together with distemper and hepatitis. In this way you protect your dog, yourself, and your family.

Signs of Leptospirosis

The signs of leptospirosis were once confused with those of canine hepatitis and distemper. And they still are. One of the signs of the disease is a change in the color and smell of the dog's urine. Look for a deep yellow, even orange, color, and a strong, offensive smell. The dog may vomit any recently eaten food and will suffer considerable pain in the abdominal area. He will also be severely dehydrated and therefore very thirsty. The mucous membranes (of the gums and palate), the eyes, and the skin itself may turn yellowish. By this time, the dog's condition is very serious. Probably his kidneys have been permanently affected, and most of the internal damage has been done. At the onset of the illness, which is sudden, the temperature will rise alarmingly (perhaps as high as 105°F), and fall almost 5 degrees on succeeding days. In some cases, the stools appear bloody, and there is a bloody discharge from the gums. If the dog vomits, the vomitus too may contain blood. He is very depressed and has difficulty in eating and swallowing. His muscles, especially those of the back legs, become stiff and sore. Most likely he won't get up from a sitting position.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Despite all these signs, the disease is very difficult to diagnose. Laboratory tests are usually necessary. Very early diagnosis may save the dog. Antibiotics seem to help kill the spirochete, and many dogs recover without any further damage. It is best to prevent this kind of suffering in your pet by giving him vaccination that helps prevent the infection.

The treatment of a dog with leptospirosis is never left entirely to the owner. The ill animal may have to be kept in the hospital for a week or longer to receive medical treatment - usually antibiotics as well as vitamins and fluids by injection. Once in the body, Leptospira bacteria spread very quickly to all body tissues and organs. If the dog mounts an immune system response and survives, Leptospira will be cleared from most organs. However, the infection persists in sites hidden from the immune system, the most common hidden site is the kidneys. Sudden kidney failure occurs in 80 to 90 percent of dogs that are severely affected.