By: Linda Juergens, CVA

Leptospirosis is becoming a disease of worldwide significance that affects both animals and humans. It is a bacterial infection caused by a family of organisms known as Leptospira interrogans.

Leptospirosis is contracted primarily through contact with the urine of an infected animal, which includes wildlife and domestic animals. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from animals to people. Common carriers include raccoons, skunks, possums, squirrels, rats and other dogs. As we have continued to inhabit areas that were previously rural, we are exposed to more of these animals. This increases our exposure to the waste products from these animals. People who are at greatest risk of getting the disease are those who regularly clean up after animals and those who swim, wade in or drink contaminated waters. Since dogs constantly sniff the urine spots of other dogs (and wild animals), they are at greater risk than humans.

 In general, symptoms resemble the flu, with fever, headache, chills and lethargy, beginning within one to two weeks after exposure. If left untreated, the disease damages the liver and kidneys, which can result in renal failure and death. Blood is drawn and laboratory tests performed to diagnose Leptospirosis. Treatment includes antibiotics and sometimes hospitalization with IV fluid therapy.

Here at Murphy Road Animal Hospital, we recommend vaccination for Leptospirosis for all dogs who spend time outside.    In recent years, the vaccination has been updated to include more serovars of Leptospirosis. This does not produce immunity against all strains of the disease but provides more protection than in the past. The first time your dog receives this vaccine, it will be in two doses, given 3 weeks apart. After that it is given yearly, usually as a part of their annual wellness visit.

For more information, contact your veterinarian. Also Fort Dodge Animal Health has developed a website dedicated to providing information and resources to pet owners about Leptospirosis, www.leptoinfo.com.