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Home > Out of the Cage! > April 2005 > The Vet's Corner: Leptospirosis: A Concern for Dogs and People The Vet's Corner Leptospirosis: A Concern for Dogs and People by Dr. Jill Richardson
When Goldie, a young American Bulldog mix arrived at Manhattan's AC&C shelter, she was jaundiced and near death. Recognizing the need for immediate medical intervention, Shelter Manager Liz Keller swung into action and contacted the Mayor's Alliance to arrange for medical care. Arrangements were made to transfer Goldie to Fifth Avenue Veterinary Associates. Test results eventually confirmed a leptospirosis diagnosis. The veterinary staff began treatment immediately, and Goldie is now recovering. Soon she'll be ready to go to a new forever home. If you or someone you know is interested in adopting Goldie, please e-mail the Mayor's Alliance at info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org; please include "Goldie" in the subject line. What is Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is a disease caused by spirochete bacteria. It can be transferred from animal to animal, as well as from animals to humans. Leptospirosis can be found in various hosts, including dogs, rodents, cattle, swine, raccoons, and opossums. (Leptospirosis is not found in cats.) Veterinary health professionals, shelter workers, kennel workers, zoo workers, campers, and swimmers are at most risk at becoming infected by leptospirosis. According to studies, adult large breed male dogs with access to outdoors are more likely to become infected by leptospirosis. The infective stage, called leptospires, is shed in the urine of infected animals. These leptospires can survive outside of their hosts for several weeks. The most common route of transmission is through urine-contaminated water, although urine-contaminated soil, bedding, and food are also potential routes of exposure. Exposure to infected blood or saliva can also transmit disease. What are the clinical signs? Leptospirosis can affect multiple organ systems. The severity and the presentation depend on the virulence of the bacteria. Clinical signs commonly associated with leptospirosis may include sudden onset of fever, muscle pain, lethargy, kidney failure, and liver effects. In some cases, infected dogs may not exhibit any outward signs of clinical illness. How is it diagnosed? The diagnosis of leptospirosis is based on the presence of clinical signs and diagnostic testing. Serologic testing is the most commonly used method for diagnosis of leptospirosis. Negative serologic test results may occur in the early phase of infection. Dogs suspected of being infected but who test negative should be re-tested in two-to-three weeks. Other diagnostic tests for leptospirosis include immunofluorescent testing, blood culture or urine culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. What is the treatment? Aggressive veterinary treatment with combinations of antibiotics is recommended in most cases. Supportive care including intravenous fluids and nutritional support are also usually required. Additionally, symptomatic care for the kidney and liver damage, if present, is also advised. Survival rates for dogs with kidney failure from leptospirosis have been shown to be approximately 80 percent with prompt and aggressive care.
How can it be prevented? It is important to educate shelter staff and volunteers regarding the infectious nature and the zoonotic potential (ability to transmit from animals to humans) of leptospirosis. Staff members and volunteers should be provided with appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and disinfectants, when working in a potentially contaminated environment. Cages and runs that house potentially infected animals should be disinfected with bleach. To prevent the spread of the disease, infected dogs should not be allowed to urinate in areas where other dogs have access. If human exposure occurs, wash exposed areas thoroughly and contact a physician immediately. Vaccinations are available for dogs for some serotypes of leptospirosis. Because transmission of leptospirosis can occur in a shelter or other facility that accommodates dogs, at the dog run, or on the street, people should attempt to prevent their dogs from sniffing urine on the sidewalk or at the dog run. If you suspect that your dog or a dog in your care has come into contact with the disease, consult with a veterinarian right away. Likewise, if you suspect that you or someone in your family has been exposed to the disease, a physician should be consulted.
Note: The Mayor's Alliance would like readers to use "The Vet's Corner" as a guide. All information found in this column has been written by and/or approved by a licensed veterinarian. However, we strongly encourage you to check with your own veterinarian before administering any information you get from any publication. And always contact your own vet immediately should you feel that your companion animal may be sick or injured. If you have a veterinary question or topic you'd like to see addressed in this newsletter, please e-mail it to us at info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.
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Jill
Richardson, DVM, volunteers for the Mayor's Alliance
for NYC's Animals and frequently works the Ask the Vet booth at
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