#LEPTOSPIROSIS

[plumbits]

Leptospirosis: What it is, what it does, and how you can protect yourself and your pets.

People always have questions about leptospirosis (lepto) when they come into the clinic, especially in regards to the vaccine. This post will hopefully clear up those questions or any confusion regarding lepto and its vaccine, and why it's so serious. The information in this post comes from my formal education as a LVT, as well as other sources including the CDC, PAHO, and AVMA. If I missed anything or you see something that's incorrect, please let me know!

First and foremost: What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that effects human and non-human animals. It's caused by bacteria in the genus Leptospira. In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms that can be very general. This leads to misdiagnoses. Animals such as dogs, livestock, and certain wildlife are all susceptible to infection.

How is leptospirosis spread?

Lepto is most often spread through contact with the urine of an infected animal. This is especially the case (but not the only case) with wild rodents. Infected dogs can seem healthy, but still pass the bacteria on in their urine. In urine-soaked soil, the bacteria can survive for weeks to months.

Dogs typically become infected when their mucous membranes or open wounds come into contact with urine or urine contaminated surfaces (like soil or water). Infection can also be spread through urine-contaminated bedding or food, or the tissues from the carcass of an infected animal. There have been rare instances where lepto has been transmitted by bite or breeding. A pregnant dog who is infected may pass the bacteria to her puppies through the placenta.

Humans contract lepto pretty much the same way: through contact with urine from an infected animal or urine-contaminated surfaces.

What are the signs and symptoms?

In humans:

High fever

Headache and muscle aches

Chills

Jaundice

Vomiting and diarrhea

Redness of the eyes

Abdominal pain

Rash

Humans can also be asymptomatic, which is particularly concerning. It usually takes anywhere from 2 days to 4 weeks post-exposure to the infection source before any symptoms are displayed. The illness begins abruptly and it may occur in 2 phases. The first phase is where you will see a lot of the general symptoms listed above. The person infected may recover for a period of time, but become ill again. The second phase is more severe, leading to kidney or liver failure, and possible meningitis. The illness can last a few days to 3 weeks or longer.

Without treatment, recovery can take several months.

In dogs:

Signs and symptoms may vary slightly depending on the strain of the infected bacteria. The signs are also very general in dogs, but the most common ones include:

Loss of appetite

Vomiting and diarrhea

Lethargy

Abdominal pain

Jaundice

Dehydration

Increased thirst and urination

Weight loss

Stiffness or muscle pain

The disease can also progress to kidney and liver failure in dogs, with damage to other organ systems also noted in the literature. Lepto can also cause bleeding disorders, which can lead to blood in urine, vomit, feces, or saliva, and petechiae on the mucous membranes or light colored skin.

Who is most at risk?

For humans, those who are most at risk include those who work with animals or outdoors where you come into contact with wildlife. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) also mentions that sewer workers and military personnel are at-risk populations. Farmers (and generally people who work with livestock) also make the list, as do veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants.

For dogs, it's all of them. "All dogs are at risk of leptospirosis, regardless of age, breed, lifestyle, geographic location, time of year, and other factors." (source: AVMA)

Situations that can increase the risk of your dog contracting leptospirosis are listed below:

Exposure to drinking from slow-moving or stagnant water sources (this includes puddles)

Roaming on rural property

Exposure to wild animals or farm animals, even if it's only in the yard

Contact with other dogs (such as in urban areas, dog parks, boarding, or training facilities.

How is leptospirosis treated and diagnosed?

Disclaimer: I am NOT a medical doctor or DVM, but I am an LVT. If you think you're experiencing these symptoms, PLEASE go see your doctor. If you think your dog or any of your other animals are experiencing these symptoms, PLEASE take them to your vet.

Diagnosis in non-human animals:

Unfortunately, routine blood tests alone cannot diagnose leptospirosis. That's why it's important for your vet to use all information available to them (i.e. diagnostics, signs and symptoms, lifestyle, etc). There WILL be abnormal results for blood work, most likely high liver and/or kidney values and high white blood cell count. There are specific tests available for diagnosing lepto, such as the DNA-PCR and MAT tests. Both may be needed to reach or confirm a diagnosis. False negatives are possible, so your pet may be treated as if they have leptospirosis, even if the test results are negative. False positives are exceedingly rare.

Diagnosis in humans:

Leptospirosis is diagnosed in a similar fashion in humans. A physical exam, blood work, and urinalysis will likely be run. The same style of tests are used: DNA-PCR and MAT.

Treatment in non-human animals:

Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics and supportive care. Doxycycline is most commonly used, and will likely be prescribed for 2 weeks or more. Supportive care includes hospitalization with IV fluids and management of electrolyte levels. Additional medications and procedures may be necessary.

Treatment in humans:

The treatment is similar in humans, with antibiotics (usually doxycycline). Your doctor may also suggest to take ibuprofen and monitor yourself at home for less severe cases. If the case is severe, then you'll likely spend time in the hospital. Additional medications or procedures may also be necessary.

Outcomes:

In non-human animals:

Leptospirosis is responsive to treatment with antibiotics. Complete recovery is possible, but some animals that survive may be left with chronic kidney and liver disease. Some animals may not survive if the infection has gotten to the point where it causes severe organ damage or the ability of blood to form clots.

In humans:

You can survive leptospirosis. Most cases have either very mild symptoms that go away on their own, or none at all. Without treatment, leptospirosis can cause kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, trouble breathing, and even death. PLEASE go see a doctor if you think you're experiencing any of these symptoms, especially together.

Prevention

How can you prevent infection and protect your pets?

For dogs, there's the leptospirosis vaccine. This is an annual vaccine that vaccinates against multiple strains of Leptospira. If you're worried about your dog having a vaccine reaction, let your vet know and they can administer an injection of diphenhydramine (generic benadryl) beforehand, OR you can ask them what the appropriate dose is for your dog and give them the respective amount at home (in tablets or liquid). Vaccine reactions are uncommon, but if they do happen, it's usually immediately after exposure to the vaccine. You can ask to stick around in the lobby/waiting area of your vet clinic for a few extra minutes if you're still concerned.

Limit your dog's access to standing water. Don't let them drink from it. Prevent rodent problems where you can by properly storing food items in appropriate containers, securing your garbage, and patching up any access points into your house if you see them. Try to avoid contact with wildlife, when possible.

For humans, the recommendations remain similar. Don't wade or swim in stagnant water, ESPECIALLY if you have open wounds. Avoid contact with wildlife. WASH YOUR HANDS, often and appropriately. USE PPE if you work in a veterinary setting and properly clean and disinfect surfaces and equipment. Make sure you know or research the area that you're in if you like swimming and boating. Check to see if there have been any recent lepto infections. Cover your scrapes and wounds with waterproof bandages and wear water shoes if possible.

I hope this post answered a lot of your questions! Thanks for reading.

Sources under the cut.

Sources:

[andthenwellbedoctors]

I'm calling the police!

[oknews]

¿Qué es la leptospirosis? Detectados dos posibles casos en Valencia

Actualizado Viernes, 8 noviembre 2024 – 13:12 La subdirección general de Epidemiología y Vigilancia para la Salud, de la Dirección General de Salud Pública, ha informado de dos casos probables de leptospirosis, a falta de confirmación por los resultados de las correspondientes analíticas. ¿Qué es la leptospirosis? la leptospirois es una infección provocada por bacterias del género Leptospira. Se…

[ricisidro]

DOH sees rise in dengue, #leptospirosi cases

Dengue cases January 1 to October 26, 2024: 24,232, 34% higher than 2023 (18,020)

Leptospirosis cases January 1 to October 26, 2024: 2,734, 90% higher than in 2023 (1,432)

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and Stay Safe.

[alternativecaninetraining]

Protect your furry friend from the dangers of by staying up-to-date on vaccinations and keeping them away from sources. Your pet's health is our top priority. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/leptospirosis

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Mengenal Kalender Hazard Indonesia: Panduan Bulanan untuk Kesiapsiagaan Bencana dan Penyakit

Indonesia, sebuah negara kepulauan yang megah, dianugerahi keindahan alam yang luar biasa namun juga rentan terhadap berbagai bencana alam dan wabah penyakit. Untuk membantu masyarakat dan pemerintah dalam merencanakan dan merespons secara efektif, “Kalender Hazard Indonesia” telah dikembangkan sebagai alat kesiapsiagaan yang penting. Apa Itu Kalender Hazard Indonesia? Kalender Hazard Indonesia…

[drpedi07]

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is an infection that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria called Leptospira. Leptospirosis is distributed worldwide but is most common in the tropics.

[ataleoftwopitties]

LEPTOSPIROSIS IN DOGS

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the infection of bacteria belonging to the genus Leptospira. It is most commonly transmitted through mucous membrane contact or wound exposure to urine of infected mammals, or contaminated food, bedding, soil, or water. 

Leptospira like to live in warm, wet environments like damp soil/grass, mud, standing water, and lakes or ponds. Under ideal conditions, the bacteria can survive more than three months outside the body. Rodents and domesticated animals including raccoons, skunks, opossums, rats, cows, and pigs are but a few of the many known carriers. Because of the broad range of carrier species, any dog - even one that is briefly outdoors - may be vulnerable to the disease. 

Each year, more than a million cases of leptospirosis are reported worldwide, with an estimated 59,000 deaths. Leptospirosis continues to be prevalent in dogs, although symptoms may vary depending on the strain of Leptospira bacteria and the dog’s immune system. While some infected dogs may show little to no signs of illness and recover on their own, others may develop severe, life-threatening illness. Most common signs include:

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Vomiting/diarrhea

Abdominal pain

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or mucous membranes)

Dehydration

Increased thirst and urination

Weight loss

Stiffness or muscle pain

The disease may progress into acute kidney and/or liver failure. Some dogs may even develop lung disease and rapid, difficulty breathing, damage to the heart muscles, or bleeding disorders that may exhibit through blood-tinged vomit, feces, or urine, nose bleeds, or petechia (red spots or bruising on the gums and other light-skinned areas). Fluid may also build up in the body, causing swollen limbs or excess fluid in the chest or abdomen. 

Because leptospirosis may appear like many other illnesses, it is important to share information about your dog’s lifestyle and travel history that may highlight possible exposure to Leptospira bacteria. While there are various leptospirosis testing available, micro-agglutination tests (MAT) are the gold standard, and additional diagnostics including bloodwork, urinalysis, and ultrasound may also be recommended. 

Leptospirosis is generally treated with antibiotics and supportive care. Patients are often hospitalized to receive fluid therapy, IV medications, nutritional support, and sometimes oxygen therapy and/or plasma transfusions in more severe cases.

Fortunately, there are vaccines available that protect against this life-threatening disease. Vaccinating dogs for leptospirosis may help protect their owners from infection, too. Aside from that, other precautions should be made to reduce risk of exposure:

Avoid letting your dog swim or drink from lakes, rivers, ponds, or any slow-moving or stagnant waters, puddles, or public/shared water bowls

Keep your dog away from farm animals and rodents, including carcasses, and minimize free-roaming in rural or peri-urban areas

Protect your dog’s paws with booties if they have any open wounds or sores

WARNING: If your dog is diagnosed with, or suspected to have leptospirosis, it is important to note that any animals that are not treated completely may shed Leptospira bacteria in their urine for up to three months. Promptly clean and disinfect any urine or contaminated areas within the home, and wear gloves while doing so. Also be mindful in guiding your dog to urinate far away from any areas other people or animals may have access to.

SOURCES/FURTHER READING

“Leptospirosis in Animals.” CDC, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 Apr. 2024, www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/pets/index.html. 

“Leptospirosis in Dogs.” AVMA Resources for Pet Owners, American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/leptospirosis. 

Lunn, Katharine F. “Leptospirosis in Animals - Overview.” Merck Veterinary Manual, Merck & Co., Inc., Feb. 2022, www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/leptospirosis/leptospirosis-in-animals-overview. 

Sykes, Jane E., et al. “Updated ACVIM consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, vol. 37, no. 6, 20 Oct. 2023, pp. 1966–1982, https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16903. 

Sykes, Jane E., and Krystle L. Reagan. “Leptospirosis in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management .” Today’s Veterinary Practice, no. Sept/Oct 2019, 9 Aug. 2019, https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/infectious-disease/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-leptospirosis-in-dogs/. 

[carryeryhare]

Leptospirosis in Young Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

[lavaradeesculapio0]

LA LEPTOSPIROSIS

 Leptospirosis: una zoonosis de importancia global LA LEPTOSPIROSIS  DEFINICIÓN: La leptospirosis es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por bacterias del género *Leptospira*, que afecta tanto a animales como a humanos. Se transmite por contacto directo o indirecto con la orina de animales infectados, especialmente roedores. La leptospirosis puede provocar síntomas variados, desde formas leves…

[ricisidro]

Be safe!

San Lazaro Hospital is considering referral to other hospitals amid an influx of leptospirosis cases. At present, 59 leptospirosis patients are confined in San Lazaro. Of these, 37 are severe. Three of the severe cases died this week.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/916566/san-lazaro-mulls-referral-to-other-hospitals-amid-leptospirosis-influx/story/

[simplykaren]

There's recent research showing cats can get it too. Sadly, there isn't a vaccine safe for them yet.

dog owners, PLEASE get your dog(s) vaccinated against lepto.

[savingourfour-leggedfriends]

Just Published on On Saving Man's Best Friend Dog Vaccinations: The Importance of Protecting Your Pet's Health https://phillipmccloud.com/dog-vaccinations-the-importance-of-protecting-your-pets-health/ As pet owners, it is our responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of our furry friends. One crucial aspect of pet care is vaccinations. Dog vaccinations play a vital role in safeguarding your pet’s health and preventing the onset of various diseases. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of dog vaccinations, […]

[drugcarts]

A bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals.