Key Takeaways
Leptospirosis spreads through infected urine, bite wounds from infected animals, and birth.
It's treated with a two-phase antibiotic therapy and supportive care.
Vaccination is often recommended for high-risk dogs.
Summary
Leptospirosis is a severe and acute disease caused by bacteria called Leptospira. These spiral-shaped bacteria thrive in moist environments and are found in the urine of infected animals.
The disease they cause is often referred to as lepto in dogs and can lead to severe illness and organ damage. The infection can spread through the bloodstream and target major organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Leptospirosis affects dogs of all ages, breeds, and lifestyles, but especially those with frequent outdoor exposure. It's also a zoonotic infectious disease, meaning even pet owners are at risk.
Leptospirosis is generally rare in Dubai, as the arid climate makes the environment less suited for the bacteria. However, the disease can still occur due to urban exposure to wildlife and contaminated standing water.
Clinical Signs
Lethargy and Weakness. Your dog may seem unusually tired or weak, preferring to rest and lie down rather than play. Some infected dogs may also have muscle pain and stiffness.
Fever. You might notice an increase in temperature, as they are particularly warm to the touch, especially on the belly and ears.
Loss of Appetite. Another sign is the loss of appetite. Dogs affected by lepto will be less inclined to eat, even with their favorite treats, and some may also have weight loss.
Vomiting and Diarrhea. These symptoms are often a sign of gastrointestinal upset and can lead to severe dehydration.
Increased Thirst and Urination. These are common signs of kidney failure in dogs. Your dog might be drinking too much while also relieving themselves more frequently.
Jaundice. Jaundice can be seen as a yellowish tint on the dog's eyes, gums, and skin. It often indicates liver damage.
Abdominal Pain. Other dogs may guard their belly and let out a cry when touched. They also assume a hunched posture.
Difficulty Breathing. If leptospirosis spreads to the lungs, dogs will experience labored breathing and respiratory distress.
How Do Dogs Get Leptospirosis?
Dogs can get leptospirosis through direct contact with the infected urine of an exposed animal, which can be through soil, water, or food. Contaminated water is a significant concern, as stagnant or slow-moving water is a primary reservoir for bacteria.
The bacteria can enter the dog's body through broken skin, open wounds, and mucous membranes (eyes, nose, and mouth).
This happens when dogs play or walk in these areas, as well as drink contaminated water. Transmission to other animals is a huge risk in boarding or training facilities.
Wild animals can spread leptospirosis to dogs by shedding the bacteria in their urine, easily causing environmental contamination.
Additionally, dogs can contract leptospirosis directly from an infected animal through bite wounds. It can also be passed down from an infected mother dog to her unborn puppies through the placenta.
Potential Complications
If left untreated, canine leptospirosis can result in severe disease.
One of the most common complications is kidney failure. As the bacteria spread across the body, they multiply and inflict damage on the kidneys. This can impact renal function and lead to toxin buildup in the blood.
Liver disease is also another possible complication. It happens when the bacteria settle on the liver, leading to long-term digestive issues and immune dysfunction.
Other complications include respiratory difficulties, pulmonary hemorrhage, bleeding disorders, and eye inflammation.
How Do Vets Diagnose Leptospirosis in Dogs?
This includes bloodwork, a urinalysis, a PCR test, and a microscopic agglutination test.
We will start by reviewing your dog's symptoms, lifestyle, and living conditions, then perform tests based on those findings.
Initial Tests
Diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork and urinalysis, can be used to assess your dog's organ function. Serum biochemistry can help identify kidney and liver abnormalities.
Urinalysis test results may show early signs of kidney injury, such as isosthenuria (inability to concentrate urine), high protein levels in the urine, and the presence of glucose in urine.
PCR Test
When the initial tests raise a red flag, we can proceed with other tests. A PCR test detects the DNA of Leptospira bacteria in the blood or urine. It's highly reliable and is especially useful in the early stages of an infection.
MAT
A microscopic agglutination test is the gold standard. It detects antibodies to the Leptospira bacteria in a dog's blood by mixing serum samples with live bacterial strains.
If the dog has the specific antibodies against the bacteria, those antibodies will bind to the organisms and cause them to clump together.
We often compare two samples taken 1-2 weeks apart. A rising antibody level strongly supports a recent infection.
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