How leptospirosis spreads to dogs
I have seen a lot of
recent media coverage
regarding leptospirosis,
which I have had my dog
vaccinated against. The
news suggests the problem is transmitted by
rats. I thought other species and wildlife were the
carriers of this disease,
which is why I had my dog
vaccinated. We live in the
suburbs and there is not
much in the way of rats in
our neighborhood, or at
least we don’t think so.
How much of a problem
is this and should we be
concerned? It seems this disease also
can affect humans. Can we catch it
from our dogs, how do dogs get infected, and what are the symptoms? How
dangerous is it to our pets or us and
can There it be treated? has been a fair amount of media coverage regarding lep- tospirosis based on a homeless per- son contracting the disease, possibly from city rats. Rats are one of many species, including dogs, that can be susceptible to and transmit this spi- rochete bacteria that can cause ill- ness with signs including fever, gen- eralized aches, chills and in severe cases jaundice and more serious signs of illness. The form of trans- mission to both people, dogs and other species is from urine entering a body through wounds or other con- tact with infected urine. Homeless populations are often living with poor hygiene and as such can be exposed to the urine, which can be in the soil, sitting water or actual urine.
In cities, rodents are a common source. In dogs, the clinical signs are quite similar with fever and lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, a lack of appetite and weakness, and dogs may also appear stiff and achy. Increased thirst and urination may be noted, suggesting compromise of the kidneys and impending renal failure. Leptospirosis can be transmitted between animals and humans. The worst manifestations lead to liver and kidney failure, which can be fatal if left untreated. The good news is this bacterium can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Given the fact that your dog is vaccinated, and you live in the suburbs, I suspect risk is very minimal. Dogs can be exposed to infected soil and water or urine of wildlife anywhere. Due to the presence of wildlife everywhere, the recommendation to vaccinate dogs against leptospirosis is sound. There are four common serotypes and most vaccines protect against all of them. Dogs are usually diagnosed with leptospirosis based on history and clinical signs leading to diagnostic tests. Because people live closely with their dogs and clean up after them, should a dog be diagnosed positive, it is not uncommon to recommend owners see their physicians, maintain a heightened level of good hygiene and take a preventative dosing of antibiotics.