Leptospirosis: Where’s it lurking?

Leptospirosis is a disease that can be life threatening and fatal to your pet…and you!  Leptospirosis is a disease caused by spiral shaped bacteria called leptospires.  Leptospires are spread through infected urine, which can be in water or soil especially floodwaters.   You and/or your pet become infected when the bacteria finds its way through skin, eyes, nose, and mouth.  Your pet may have been swimming, drinking, or walking through contaminated water.  Rats and wildlife can also serve as a source of infection to you or your pet.  Residential areas, including Hampton Cove, are being built on previous rural or swamp lands, which can harbor infected soil or animals.  The CDC has monitored occurrence in people, and 1/3 of cases come from contact with infected dogs, and another 1/3 come from contact with infected mice/rats, usually through field work. 

Clinical signs of leptospirosis can vary, and some pets do not have symptoms.  Common signs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, inappetance, weakness, lethargy, stiffness, and muscle pain.  If left untreated, the bacteria will settle in the kidneys causing kidney failure.  Blood testing is available if you believe your animal may have contacted this bacteria.

Leptospirosis can be treated, if caught early.  Treatment includes fluid therapy and antibiotics.  More importantly, there is a vaccine available to prevent or limit the severity of infection.  I highly recommend this vaccination to dogs who hunt or swim, and are exposed to wildlife, standing water, and rats.  This is not only to protect your four legged companion, but also to protect you and your family. 

Prevention is the key to not being infected with leptospirosis.  The following precautions are highly recommended:

• Get your pet vaccinated against leptospirosis.
• Always wash your hands after handling your pet, or anything with your pet’s urine on it.
• Wear gloves when cleaning urine if you have cuts, abrasions or are otherwise immunocompromised.
• Keep rodent problems under control.
• Clean surfaces that have come in contact with urine with antibacterial cleaning solution, or solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
• Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil.
• If you or your pet have cuts or skin abrasions, and are coming in contact with water, protect and cover the skin. 

Leptospirosis and Your Pet:  A CDC Fact Sheet. (Reviewed/Revised 2008). Retrieved       Jan 2012 from www.vin.com.  

Brooks, Wendy DVM, DipABVP.  (2011).  Leptospirosis.  Retrieved Jan 2012 from                     www.vin.com.            .