Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis, a contagious disease affecting both animals and humans and spread by infection with a bacterial pathogen called Leptospira usually associated with rat urine may result in chronic liver and kidney disease and fatality in the dog. Over the past 30 years, preventative vaccination against two of the most common Leptospires, L. canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagiae, have nearly eradicated clinical disease associated with these strains among the inoculated population.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis
These appear four to twelve days after infection. Signs include:

• Fever (which may subside after a few days

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting

• Lethargy

• Depression

• Muscle pain

• Diarrhoea

• Blood in the urine.

In more severe cases, dogs may become jaundiced (appearing yellow around the ears and eyes), and may bleed spontaneously due to clotting problems.

Diagnosis: Pets exhibiting clinical signs of the disease, with a history of playing in water or parks, may be suspect for leptospirosis. Veterinarians obtain blood samples for laboratory evaluation and may run additional tests on the liver and kidney. Urine and blood can also be specially stained with fluorescent antibodies to detect the bacteria.

Treatment
Dogs showing severe clinical signs may be hospitalized for treatment. In the hospital, these pets may receive intravenous fluids and antibiotics, as well as other medications to control diarrhoea and vomiting. Once stabilized, infected dogs may continue to receive antibiotics to control the infection at home. Dogs with kidney damage may require a special diet over the long-term.

Prevention

Vaccinations are available for leptospirosis and are boostered yearly.