Leptospirosis in Dogs - Rat Fever

Leptospirosis is a highly infectious bacterial disease that spreads via the urine of infected dogs or rats. It can also spread to humans via contact from infected urine. The bacteria initially enter, via contact with urine, into the blood stream and travel to the animal’s organs such as the liver, kidneys, nervous system, eyes, and reproductive organs.

Puppies are commonly more susceptible than adults as their immune systems have not yet matured to be strong enough to fight it off.

Cats certainly are exposed to leptospirosis, and serologic studies indicate that infection occurs. But clinical disease is rare. No specific disease syndromes have been associatedwith leptospirosis in cats.

Causative agents

• Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae
• Leptospira canicola
• Leptospira pomona
• Leptospira gripototyphosa
• Leptospira autralis

Transmission

Infected animals pass leptospira bacteria with their urine. Via contact with infected urine or contaminated water the bacteria can enter other animals through the mouth, eyes, open wounds, and skin abrasions. Transmission can also be the result of an animal feeding on an infected organism or if the bedding is contaminated. The bacteria thrive in humid and wet environments and so animals that enter the water frequently are more prone to infection. Warm, stagnant and slow moving water is an ideal breeding area for the leptospira bacteria. Some animals may act as carriers without showing any clinical signs and so further transmission may result.

Symptoms

• High temperature
• Severe thirst
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Stiffness
• Jaundice
• Discharge from nose and eyes
• Frequent urination - may be followed by lack of urination
• Bloody diarrhea
• Liver failure (Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae)
• Kidney failure (Leptospira canicola)
• Death often occurs in severe cases

Diagnosis

• The diagnosis of leptospirosis may be difficult and a high proportion of infected pets may develop long-term infections.
• Blood tests and urine test can be used to give a positive diagnosis for leptospirosis.  
• Serology is the most frequently used diagnostic test for dogs.

Treatment

Severe forms of the disease are difficult to treat and can prove rapidly fatal. Primary therapy should be followed by a 2- to 4-wk course of doxycycline to eliminate organisms from the kidney and decrease shedding. (5 mg/kg twice daily)

 

• Tetracycline
• Fluoroquinolones - Ciprofloxacin
• Oral penicillin
• Administration of intravenous fluids
• If there is any liver or kidney failure then these will be treated accordingly.

Prevention

• Vaccination against leptospirosis
• Infected dogs should be kept away from healthy dogs
• Dogs should be kept away from stagnant waterways which may be the source of infection.
• Disinfection of kennels - Strong disinfectants should be applied to areas where the dog has urinated.
• Practice good hygiene including careful hand washing.

Human Disease