Leptospirosis of dogs
Etiology
Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs characterized by jaundice, vomiting, and kidney failure. At least four different groups of leptospirosis organisms, all belonging to the genus Leptospira, have been implicated in this disease in dogs. Remarkably, most infections are subclinical; that is, few show clinical signs of disease.
Clinical signs
When clinical signs do arise, however, the results can be serious, even life-threatening. Leptospirosis becomes more of a problem in kennels where animals are kept together under poor sanitary conditions. Animals become infected with the organisms through contact with infected urine. Leptospirosis is found primarily in young animals between the ages of 1 and 4 years. In addition, males seem to be more commonly affected than females. Signs associated with the disease reflect the damage done by the organisms to the body’s blood, liver, and kidneys. Fever, depression, vomiting, and diarrhea might be early signs that become noticeable. Anemia might set in as red blood cells are destroyed by the invading organisms, and distinct bruising on the skin surface becomes evident as the body’s blood clotting mechanisms are impaired. In severe cases, liver failure and/or kidney failure appear, leading to rapid dehydration and to a urine with an orange-brown color, a feature characteristic of this disease. Left untreated, this disease will often result in death.
Diagnostic
To diagnose this disease, veterinarians rely on a thorough history (including potential exposure to livestock), clinical signs, and special laboratory tests. The white blood cell count is usually elevated, in contrast to those seen with viral diseases. Blood and urine cultures might be used to confirm a diagnosis. Antibody levels measured at 2-week intervals have been used as well for this purpose.
Treatment
Treatment of leptospirosis consists of high levels of specific antibiotics, combined with fluid therapy to combat dehydration and medications to stimulate kidney function. Unfortunately, unless treated early enough, the kidneys could suffer irreparable damage, leading to unavoidable failure. Because of the serious nature of this disease, dog owners need to focus their attention on prevention. Since cross-protection against this disease is not afforded by most leptospirosis vaccines, prevention is aimed at limiting access to potentially infected livestock and the water sources they may frequent.
Drugs of choice
• Procaine penicillin G 40,000-80,000 U/kg IM q24h or divided q12h until kidney function returns to normal
• Dihydrostreptomycin 10-15 mg/kg IM q12h for 2 weeks to eliminate organism from kidney interstitial tissues; try streptomycin if no renal failure
• Doxycycline 5 mg/kg PO or IV q12h for 2 weeks; use alone to clear both leptospiremia and leptospiruria
( source vet-zone )
Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs characterized by jaundice, vomiting, and kidney failure. At least four different groups of leptospirosis organisms, all belonging to the genus Leptospira, have been implicated in this disease in dogs. Remarkably, most infections are subclinical; that is, few show clinical signs of disease.
Clinical signs
When clinical signs do arise, however, the results can be serious, even life-threatening. Leptospirosis becomes more of a problem in kennels where animals are kept together under poor sanitary conditions. Animals become infected with the organisms through contact with infected urine. Leptospirosis is found primarily in young animals between the ages of 1 and 4 years. In addition, males seem to be more commonly affected than females. Signs associated with the disease reflect the damage done by the organisms to the body’s blood, liver, and kidneys. Fever, depression, vomiting, and diarrhea might be early signs that become noticeable. Anemia might set in as red blood cells are destroyed by the invading organisms, and distinct bruising on the skin surface becomes evident as the body’s blood clotting mechanisms are impaired. In severe cases, liver failure and/or kidney failure appear, leading to rapid dehydration and to a urine with an orange-brown color, a feature characteristic of this disease. Left untreated, this disease will often result in death.
Diagnostic
To diagnose this disease, veterinarians rely on a thorough history (including potential exposure to livestock), clinical signs, and special laboratory tests. The white blood cell count is usually elevated, in contrast to those seen with viral diseases. Blood and urine cultures might be used to confirm a diagnosis. Antibody levels measured at 2-week intervals have been used as well for this purpose.
Treatment
Treatment of leptospirosis consists of high levels of specific antibiotics, combined with fluid therapy to combat dehydration and medications to stimulate kidney function. Unfortunately, unless treated early enough, the kidneys could suffer irreparable damage, leading to unavoidable failure. Because of the serious nature of this disease, dog owners need to focus their attention on prevention. Since cross-protection against this disease is not afforded by most leptospirosis vaccines, prevention is aimed at limiting access to potentially infected livestock and the water sources they may frequent.
Drugs of choice
• Procaine penicillin G 40,000-80,000 U/kg IM q24h or divided q12h until kidney function returns to normal
• Dihydrostreptomycin 10-15 mg/kg IM q12h for 2 weeks to eliminate organism from kidney interstitial tissues; try streptomycin if no renal failure
• Doxycycline 5 mg/kg PO or IV q12h for 2 weeks; use alone to clear both leptospiremia and leptospiruria
( source vet-zone )
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