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.
Treatment
Two-phase antibiotic therapy is needed to kill the bacteria and prevent the dog from becoming a long-term carrier. Dogs recover well when treated early.
Antibiotic Therapy
Doxycycline is the preferred antibiotic and is often prescribed to be given orally every 12 hours for a minimum of 14 days. Since many dogs are too sick, we often use intravenous penicillin derivatives for the acute phase. These will stop the bacteria from circulating in the bloodstream.
Once the dog can eat and is slowly improving, treatment will transition to a course of doxycycline. This will eliminate bacteria from the dog's renal tubules, thereby preventing their shedding into the environment.
Supportive Care
Many dogs affected by leptospirosis will often require hospitalization, especially if they show signs of organ damage.
IV fluid therapy helps correct dehydration and flush out toxins from the kidneys. For severe cases, this may take a few days. Our vets may also correct electrolyte and acid-base imbalances caused by vomiting, diarrhea, or kidney damage.
Anti-nausea medication, appetite support, and nutritional support will be provided. For specific complications, we may do liver support, blood transfusions, and oxygen therapy.
Prognosis and Recovery
The prognosis for dogs with lepto is generally good, provided that the disease has been caught early. The survival rate for mild to moderate cases is about 80%.
Most dogs spend about 2-5 weeks in the hospital receiving supportive care. However, dogs with severe cases may need long-term management due to organ damage. Some dogs may experience lasting kidney and liver issues.
The Importance of the Leptospirosis Vaccine for Dogs
In Dubai, the most effective way to prevent leptospirosis in dogs is through routine vaccination. It's a safe and effective way to significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Since it’s a non-core vaccination, our vets will assess your dog’s lifestyle and risk level so we can recommend if they need the vaccine or not.
The vaccine works by stimulating your dog's immune system to develop antibodies that fight against the Leptospira bacteria. It does this by using weakened, non-pathogenic bacterial components to help the body recognize the pathogen and develop antibodies against Leptospira. Once the real threat appears, the immune system acts.
The initial vaccination series consists of two doses given 3-4 weeks apart. Vaccinated dogs require annual boosters after the initial series.
Due to medical advancements, most leptospirosis vaccines are quadrivalent, meaning they protect dogs against four major strains. The vaccine is also often given along with the DHPPi vaccine if needed.
How to Prevent Leptospirosis
Aside from the vaccine, another way to prevent leptospirosis is to keep your dog away from the sources of exposure.
Don't allow your dog to drink or touch water from puddles, ponds, stagnant water, or other related places. Dogs in rural and urban areas can both be exposed, so supervise them whenever you go outside. While not all water is contaminated, it's better to be safe.
Regularly bathe your dog, especially after outdoor play in moist and warm environments. Sanitize their water bowls, bedding, and pillows. Be sure to wash your hands as well, and wear gloves when cleaning urine or contaminated items if leptospirosis is suspected.
Visit the clinic for your dog's wellness exams. Our experts can help catch early signs of kidney or liver strain, even if the common clinical signs aren't obvious. If symptoms do appear, contact our veterinarians immediately rather than waiting for them to worsen.
“Leptospirosis is silent and serious, but preventable. Take the extra steps to protect your best friend.”
- Dr. Lidija Krvavac
Frequently Asked Questions
Is leptospirosis contagious?
Yes, lepto in dogs is highly contagious and can affect people as well as dogs. The risk is also generally higher in shared spaces such as boarding facilities, shelters, dog parks, and households with other pets.
Is it fatal for dogs?
Yes, leptospirosis can be fatal for dogs when left untreated. However, if caught early, veterinary medicine can significantly improve a dog's condition and treat the disease.
What disinfectants can kill Leptospira bacteria?
Household bleach is effective at eliminating the bacteria on floors, equipment, and surfaces. Use a 1:10 dilution. For urine accidents, we recommend a 1:1 mix.
Is the disease painful for dogs?
Yes, leptospirosis is extremely painful for dogs because the bacteria cause widespread inflammation and target vital organs. This includes severe muscle and joint pain, kidney and liver inflammation, and internal damage.
What are the side effects of the leptospirosis vaccine?
Most dogs don't experience adverse reactions. In some cases, side effects are mild, including soreness at the injection site, lethargy, loss of appetite, and low-grade fever.
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