Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with bacterial spirochetes of the genus Leptospira.
Leptospiral organisms prefer warm, moist, alkaline environments. They are more likely to be found in stagnant or slow-moving water. Environmental flooding can saturate the soil with organisms; prevent evaporation of contaminating animal urine; and prolong survival of organisms in surface water. Although they do not replicate outside of the host, Leptospira spp. can remain viable for months in moist environments under optimal conditions.
Animals can become infected through contact with infected urine; via venereal or placental transfer; through bite wounds; and ingestion of infected tissues. Indirect transmission can occur through exposure to water sources, soil, food, or bedding that are contaminated with infected urine or tissues. Leptospires can penetrate mucous membranes, wet or macerated skin, and broken skin.
Leptospires multiply quickly once they enter the blood stream. Organisms attach to endothelial cells and cause vasculitis, vascular leakage, hemorrhage, and inflammation. They then spread and replicate in many organs, including the kidneys, liver, spleen, eyes, genital tract, and central nervous system (CNS).
Leptospires can persist in the kidneys and be shed in the urine for weeks to months Kidney swelling can impair renal perfusion and decrease glomerular filtration. Endothelial damage also leads to ischemic injury within the kidney.
The liver is the second main organ affected by leptospires. Hepatic dysfunction can occur from damage by leptospiral toxin. Bile duct occlusion, fibrosis, and chronic hepatitis can result.
Pulmonary abnormalities can occur secondary to the effects of the leptospiral toxin on lung tissue, and
from fluid exudation secondary to vasculitis.
Bleeding abnormalities are possible due to abnormal hemostasis. Leptospirosis can display as peracute, acute, subacute, or chronic disease.
The follwoing symptos are possible asoociated symptoms with acute infections ; However, not all symptoms necessarily show in every patient.
Dogs with acute infection become depressed and hypothermic ( Low body tempreture). These patients can die before renal or hepatic involvement is apparent.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease (zoonosis is an infectious disease that has jumped from animal to
humans) so if your pet picks it up, your entire family is at risk . The principal route of infection is contact with infectious body fluids via mucous membranes. In people, the disease varies from subclinical to severe and can be fatal when renal or hepatic failure occurs.
Vaccine is available for this condition, which will protect your pet and consequently the rest your family. Within a few hours of vaccination, the earliest phases of the immune response are being stimulated. It usually requires ten to fourteen days before a reasonable level of protection is established. The vaccination involves 2 doses, the initial one and a booster 3-4 weeks later.
