Leptospirosis is a life-threatening disease which dogs may acquire when broken skin comes into contact with the urine of an infected host. Leptospira interrogans is a type of bacteria which spreads through the bloodstream and ultimately settles in the kidneys where the organism begins to reproduce and causes inflammation, kidney failure, and sometimes other organ failure. Typical symptoms may include depression, excess bleeding, excessive drinking, fever, general malaise, jaundice, joint pain, loss of appetite, and nausea.
Diagnosis typically involves a blood test, though urine testing and kidney biopsy may also be performed. PCR testing can also be useful, though it is not readily available. Treatment typically involves penicillin, either combined with a fluroquinolone type of antibiotic or followed with tetracycline. Intravenous fluids typically must also be given. The basic distemper shot usually involves a vaccination against leptospira, which will minimize the severity of the disease but will not keep infected dogs from becoming carriers. Unfortunately, vaccination reactions including hives and facial swelling are common.
Anything contaminated with urine in the home of an infected dog must be disinfected with an iodine based product. Further, people should wear gloves to avoid coming in contact with infected urine. People can become infected and will show the same symptoms as dogs. In fact, it's believed that one third of the leptospirosis cases in humans results from contact with an infected dog. |
