Leptospirosis Bacterial in Dogs

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by spirochaetes, strains of bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Dogs suffering from leptospirosis can develop vasculitis, liver and kidneys. Leptospirosis is not limited to dogs, which can infect a variety of animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. It can also infect humans. Leptospirosis is known by different names, including Canicola fever, 7-day fever, Weil's disease, fever Canefield, and Nanukayami.

Leptospirosis transmission

Leptospirosis is transmitted by the urine of infected animals and dogs can get Leptospirosis by licking urine off the grass or other surfaces or by drinking contaminated water from the stagnation of urine. Urine should be moist, because spirochaetes dead if dry. It is theoretically possible to get Leptospirosis currently playing in water, but highly unlikely because spirochaetes not live naturally in freshwater. The spirochetes cause Leptospirosis can only survive a few days outside the host animal. Normal cycles transmitted from infected animals consists of, such as mice, rabbits, foxes and cows, which carries the spirochaetes to drain, muddy river, gulley or similar. Newly infected animals from wet mud, and the cycle continues. Leptospirosis is less common for a period of little or no rainfall there.

Leptospirosis can also be transmitted through blood and semen.

Leptospirosis symptoms in dogs

In dogs, the incubation time usually varies from 2 to 20 days. The spirochaetes attacks the liver and kidneys of dogs and can cause vasculitis, which in turn leads to edema. Vomiting, loss of appetite or failure to eat, reduced urine output, normal urine dark or brown, fever, and fatigue are all symptoms Leptospirosis in dogs. The condition can progress to disseminated intravascular coagulation diseminata (DIC). Other health problems associated with Leptospirosis in dogs is meningitis, uveitis, pericarditis, and miokarditis. It is very common for an infected dog to show yellowing of the eyes, but some dogs never get yellow eyes. (Keep in mind that yellow eyes can be caused by other diseases, such as hepatitis.)

Leptospirosis vaccines for dogs

There is no vaccine approved for use in humans, but there are animal vaccines for some strains of bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Unfortunately, the vaccine will only work for a few months and therefore not very commonly used in dogs.

Leptospirosis medicine for dogs

Leptospirosis medicine for dogs should consist of two parts: one part that presses spirochetes and one part against possible complications. One of the most commonly used when treating dogs with leptospirosis is to use penicillin to end leptospiremic phase (where the spirochetes found in the blood) and doksisiklin to end carrier.

In severe cases of leptospirosis, detoxication and normalization of the hydro-electrolytic balance may be required for spirochetes attack the vital organs of the dog. Veterinarian can arrange a solution containing salt and glucose, and dialysis is an option.

If you suspect that your dog may be exposed to leptospirosis, it is important to find the animals attention. Fast and accurate treatment will greatly improve the level of survival for dogs suffering from Leptospirosis. It is also important to prevent the spread of the disease more.