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Canine Leptospirosis is a zoonotic world wide serious disease which affects animals and humans. Leptospirosis is caused by spiral shaped bacteria called leptospires. There have been more than 200 serovars (species) identified. The serovars that have been identified in dogs are Autumnalis, Bratislava, Grippotyphosa and Ponomo.
Photomicrograph of leptospiral microscopic agglutination test with live antigen using darkfield microscopy technique. Courtsey of the
CDC – Div. of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases: Leptospirosis
The bacterium is usually spread from the urine of an infected dog which is absorbed in the ground and or may be mixed with ground water. The life expectancy of bacterium ranges from weeks to months depending on climatic conditions. When a non-infected dog comes into contact with the contaminated soil or water, the bacterium can be transferred via the skin, mucus membranes, contusions or any broken skin on the dog.
An infected dog may show signs of abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, refusal to eat, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, and severe muscle pain, renal changes, and liver inflammation. The incubation period is usually 5 to 14 days, however it can be shorter or longer.
If you think that your dog has been infected with Leptospirosis, contact you veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian can perform the necessary tests to confirm if your dog has been infected.
If the disease is caught in time, the dog can be treated with antibiotics. If it is an advance stage of Leptospirosis, hydration and dialysis may be required.
It is important that owners of dogs get their dogs vaccinated against Leptospirosis
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