Leptospirosis

Cases of Leptosirosis are on the rise in Nova Scotia. This is a bacterial born infection that is spread through the bodily fluids of an infected source. Dogs are most commonly affected by Leptospirosis, commonly known as Lepto, due to them drinking out of stagnant water that has been urinated in by an infected host. Reports of cats being affected by this are rare and they seem to be mild cases although not a lot is known about Lepto in cats. It is found worldwide in soil and water. Lepto is a zoonotic illness which means it can be spread from animals to people.

If a dog is affected by Leptospirosis, sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Some have mild lethargy and recover quickly while others develop severe illness and sometimes die.

Signs of Leptospirosis include:

• fever
• shivering
• muscle tenderness
• reluctance to move
• increased thirst
• changes in the amount and frequency of urination
• dehydration
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• lethargy
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin), or painful inflammation within the eyes.
• can cause kidney failure with or without liver failure amongst other things

Treatment is supportive care with IV fluids and antibiotics and when caught early chances of recovery are high, but there are still risks of kidney and/or liver damage.

There are vaccines available for the Leptospira bacteria and it is recommended that if your dog is at risk of coming in contact with this bacteria, they receive this vaccine on a yearly basis. We encourage you speak to your Veterinarian about risk factors for your pet.