What causes leptospirosis in pets?
As a pet parent, you want your pets always to be happy and healthy. This includes being informed on possible risks and infections, such as leptospirosis in pets. In honor of Immunization Awareness Month, Mount Carmel Animal Hospital near Harford County informs readers about this potentially dangerous infection.
What Causes Leptospirosis in Pets?
What is leptospirosis, or “lepto” for short? It’s an infection from Leptospira bacteria with many strains and can be found globally. Unfortunately, lepto can impact pets and humans. What causes leptospirosis in pets? Leptospirosis bacteria spread through the urine of infected wildlife including raccoons, skunks, opossums, foxes, deer, rats, mice, and squirrels, Lepto is able to survive in water or soil for months. Dogs and felines can contract the disease through direct contact with urine from infected wildlife, swimming, drinking, or passing through puddles, mud, or bodies of water. Lepto can even be spread through exposure to the feces of other infected animals. Once contact is made, the bacteria transfer through an open wound.
Signs and Symptoms of Leptospirosis
Signs and symptoms of leptospirosis in pets can differ significantly. Some pets have no symptoms, while some pets experience mild symptoms and recover quickly on their own. Other pets have severe symptoms that require treatment. Unfortunately, some animals don’t survive. Look out for the following signs of leptospirosis in pets:
- Appetite loss
- Anemia
- Breathing difficulties
- Changes in the amount or frequency of urination
- Constant coughing
- Depression
- Dehydration (possible rapid)
- Diarrhea
- Excess fluid around the abdomen or chest
- Gums that appear dark red and speckled
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
- Lethargy
- Constant thirst
- Fever
- Muscle tenderness, soreness, and stiffness
- Reluctance to move
- Runny nose
- Shivering
- Swollen legs
- Weakness
- Vomiting blood
- Bloody vaginal discharge
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
Pet owners must test their pets for leptospirosis by seeing their veterinarian. Since many different and nonspecific symptoms might also be seen with other diseases, your vet will need to perform multiple tests to make a diagnosis. These medical tests include a physical exam, blood test, X-ray, urine test, and ultrasound. If your dog has been exposed to areas that might be contaminated with this disease, make sure to notify your vet about it.
Lepto Vaccination for Pets
Fortunately, there is a vaccination for leptospirosis in pets. The American Animal Hospital Association states that yearly immunization to prevent the disease is strongly recommended for most dogs in North America. It doesn’t only affect rural dogs; lepto can also affect any dog, anywhere, including Harford and Baltimore County, and may impact dogs of any breed, sex, or age. Call Mount Carmel Animal Hospital today at 410-343-0200 to vaccinate your pet for leptospirosis.
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook