Canine Leptospirosis aka “Lepto” ~ Pet Health Center

Leptospirosis or “lepto” is a bacteria (Gram Negative) found throughout the U.S. It is most commonly encountered in late summer and early fall.

How Does your Pet Contact Lepto?

Reduce exposure by removing food, garbage or nesting materials from your yard that may attract wildlife and dont allow your pets to drink from ponds or puddles.

Common lepto carriers in the wild include raccoons, skunks, possums, squirrels, rats and sometimes other dogs. The animal act as a host for the bacteria and it is passed in urine. Dogs become infected when they come in contact with fresh urine of the infected animal. Dogs can also come in contact with water contaminated by urine.
The bacteria crosses our pets mucosal membranes such as their eyes, mouth or any break in their skin. The bacteria will then travel to their blood stream. Once in the blood stream it goes to their organs such as liver, kidneys, spleen, central nervous system (CNS), eyes and genital tract. The body’s antibodies work hard to remove the organisms from the organs but often times they remain in the kidneys and therefore can be shed by an infected animal in their urine for months.

Is your Dog at Risk for Lepto?

Virtually every dog that goes outside is at risk for lepto, however it seems that adults age 1-6 years are most susceptible. It is also important to know that lepto is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from dogs to people.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Infection with Lepto

Lepto can cause kidney failure, liver failure, bleeding and muscle pain. The four most common symptoms include:

Bloody urine
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy

Other symptoms and signs of Lepto include:

Abdominal / Lower back pain
Fever
Weight loss
Increased Drinking and Urinating
Jaundice
Stiffness
Petechia (small areas of hemorrhage)
Low platelet count

How is Lepto Diagnosed?

Serologic and microbiologic testing to detect antibody production to leptospira. It should be performed on dogs with fever of unknown origin.

How is Lepto Treated?

Should only be performed by licensed vets. Treatment needs to begin as soon as possible because prognosis depends on how early it starts. Supportive therapy to replace fluids and assist with vomiting as well as antibiotics are needed. It is important to note that dogs that recover are often carriers of the disease and can shed organisms in their urine.