Leptospirosis in dogs is a very dangerous infection caused by parasites. It has a devastating effect on the work of many organs and systems of the body, and can be transmitted to other animals as well as to humans. This disease is often called infectious jaundice.
Pathogens
The causative agents of leptospirosis in dogs are pathogenic bacteria called leptospira or leptospirosis. These microorganisms have six independent subgroups, the most dangerous among them are L. Icterohaemorrhagiae, L. Canicolau.
The habitat of these bacteria is moist soil, rivers, ponds, and they retain their viability for 9 months. High humidity and heat are the most optimal conditions for them. Therefore, leptospirosis epidemics often occur in tropical countries and never in cold climates.
Leptospira show resistance to most disinfectants, except for drugs of the first group of toxicity, which are forbidden to use in a domestic environment.
Disease Description
So what is leptospirosis in dogs? And how do parasites get into the environment? The described disease is also called Weil’s disease, which is characterized by a lesion of the liver of a hemorrhagic orientation, in addition, blood vessels, kidneys and other organs and systems suffer.
Leptospirosis in dogs (photo - hereinafter) is extremely dangerous for all types of mammals, animals, birds and humans. Regardless of age, all breeds of dogs are susceptible to this disease. Owners of young animals and puppies should be especially careful because of their immunity. At risk are also old dogs and unvaccinated pets.
There is also a predisposition to leptospirosis in dog breeds with a loose constitution, such as French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Boxer, Cannes Corso, Shar Pei, Bullmastiff, Basset Hound, Bloodhound.
This bad disease is very difficult to treat. Often, if you do not take measures in a timely manner, animals quickly die. In order to prevent the lethal outcome of a pet with leptospirosis, it is necessary to start treatment on time, and for this it is necessary to make a diagnosis as quickly as possible and, most importantly, correctly.
Leptospira bacteria enter the environment through feces, urine, genital secretions and milk from sick animals. The most common virus carriers are small rodents: mice and rats.
Causes of occurrence
Leptospirosis in dogs most often occurs if the animal's body is weakened. Dogs kept in groups are at greater risk, especially if conditions are unfavorable. This, for example, may be shelters or nurseries.
Leptospirosis in dogs is transmitted through contact with an infected animal, through common objects (bowls, collars, etc.), through poor-quality food and water, through the bites of parasite insects (fleas, ticks, etc.). Often infection occurs when swimming in an open reservoir with stagnant water, especially in the heat.
Direct transmission of the virus occurs through the digestive and respiratory systems, during mating (mating), through damage to the skin. Propagation of bacteria occurs in stages.
At first it is a bacteremic period when microorganisms are concentrated in the circulatory system. Then, with blood, they enter other organs and tissues, where they multiply successfully, poisoning the body, and the toxic phase sets in.
When the incubation period is over, leptospira enter the bloodstream, the release of toxins and the destruction of the walls of blood vessels begins. Signs of leptospirosis in a dog are manifested in a poisoned body by a violation of blood metabolism, and as a result, the animal has convulsive seizures, and the nervous system and liver are depressed.
After 4-10 days from the time of infection, the pet becomes contagious to others. However, symptoms may not manifest themselves so clearly over a long period of time, which occurs depending on the level of protection of the body and the quality of the immune system.
Common symptoms
The first and main sign of leptospirosis in dogs is a violation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and kidney and liver failure develops. At this time, there is an accumulation of pathogens in parenchymal organs, capillaries are affected, bacteria actively multiply in the tissues of the animal’s body.
The external symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs are as follows:
- Increase or decrease in temperature - from very high (up to 41 ° ) to too low (36.5 ° ).
- The animal loses activity, becomes lethargic and indifferent.
- Appetite decreases.
- Nausea, vomiting (in the last stages with blood), diarrhea or constipation are observed.
- Jaundice develops, mucous membranes and sclera of the eye acquire jaundice.
- In urine and feces are impurities of blood.
- Urination is impaired.
- Movement hurts.
- Heavy breathing, sometimes with wheezing.
- Bad breath.
- Cramps and seizures.
- The abdomen increases in size.
- Dramatic weight loss.
The degree of intensity of manifestation of general symptoms is directly dependent on the state of the animal’s body and its immunity.
Icteric form of leptospirosis
Symptoms and treatment of leptospirosis in dogs are always interconnected. Based on this, icteric and hemorrhagic forms of the disease are distinguished.
Manifestations of the icteric form of leptospirosis can be observed already on the eighth day after infection. This variety is more likely to affect puppies and young animals. With this form of leptospira actively multiplies in the liver. The clinical signs are as follows:
- Yellowness of the mucous membranes of the nose, ears, mouth, genitals, the skin and whites of the eyes also turn yellow.
- Discharge begins from the eyes, conjunctivitis develops.
- Apathetic behavior and lack of appetite.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- The abdominal cavity in the area of the liver is markedly enlarged.
- Urine turns dark.
It must be remembered that leptospirosis is dangerous, and in 70% of cases, animals die if they do not receive conservative treatment. To correctly diagnose the disease, it is necessary to donate blood and urine for analysis.
Hemorrhagic form
The hemorrhagic (not icteric) form of leptospirosis in dogs has the following symptoms:
- Refusal of food and water.
- A significant increase in temperature on the first day from 39.5 degrees and above, but on the second day it drops to 38 degrees and below.
- Dry and hot nose, bleeding.
- Diarrhea with blood, indicating internal bleeding.
- Stench from the mouth, bleeding ulcers.
- Frequent and prolonged vomiting.
- Lymph nodes are enlarged.
- Food is not eaten or absorbed.
- Tremor and body cramps.
- The skin noticeably turns pale.
- Urine with mucus, feces with blood.
The transience of the disease suggests that at the first signs of a pet's malaise, you should immediately consult a specialist. The disease leads to complete exhaustion of the body, therefore, with this form, 75% of the animals die in torment.
Hemorrhagic leptospirosis has an acute stage (from 2 to 6 days) and subacute (10-20 days). During this period, the dog is very contagious: both for animals and for humans. If the diagnosis is made in a timely manner and correctly, the treatment is started on time, then the pet has every chance of recovery. In acute form, the probability of mortality is up to 80%, and in subacute - up to 50%.
The course of this form of the disease can also be chronic in nature, when the clinical signs of leptospirosis in dogs are weak. In this case, the temperature of the pet is within normal limits. However, serious disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal tract are observed. The immune system is also depressed, and the dog’s condition is constantly changing: either in the direction of improvement, then it gets worse. On examination and palpation, the pet experiences pain in the abdominal cavity.
There is also a latent or asymptomatic form, and in another way - microcarriage. In this case, there is a complete absence of symptoms characteristic of leptospirosis. However, the animal is capable of secreting contagious infection into the external environment.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of leptospirosis in dogs begins with a history. Then the veterinarian examines the animal, including palpation and prescribes studies.
The owner must tell the doctor, after which the condition of the dog worsened. Perhaps the pet was swimming in the pond shortly or playing with other dogs (especially if it was a stray animal), or a tick had recently bitten it.
Assigned studies:
- Serological blood test for microagglutination reaction or PMA. The fence is made a week after the discovery of the first signs of the disease.
This study is re-prescribed in case of poor results 8-9 days after the first time.
In unvaccinated animals, the presence of leptospirosis in the blood will be shown with a positive result with an antibody titer of 1:50 +++
If the pet is vaccinated and the titers show 1650 ++ and even higher, then the veterinarian will consider each such case individually.
When analyzing leptospirosis in dogs, it should be borne in mind that the vaccine does not have the same effect on animals, post-vaccination titers may exceed the permissible levels.
2. General urine analysis.
3. Blood bioassay.
4. PCR method - polymerase chain reaction.
5. Hematological blood test.
6. Blood biochemistry.
Treatment
Treatment of leptospirosis in dogs should begin immediately and only when an accurate diagnosis is made. In no case can you independently treat your beloved pet. Only a doctor can make an appointment correctly.
According to the symptoms, the treatment of leptospirosis in dogs is prescribed by a veterinarian. The treatment complex includes etiotropic, pathogenetic and symptomatic drugs. Etiotropic therapy includes serums with hyperimmune action, which are very effective in the initial stages of the disease.
The following treatment measures are included in the complex of therapy:
- Therapy is antibacterial.
- Stabilization and normalization of the functions of the affected systems and organs.
- Removing the symptoms of acute poisoning and their consequences.
- Digestive system restoration.
- Improving immunity.
- A sparing diet low in protein, and in the case of liver damage, low in fat.
Used drugs
Treatment of leptospirosis in dogs with the help of drugs begins with the introduction of hyperimmune antileptospirosis serum, which is used both for medicinal purposes and for prevention. However, only the attending physician can choose the dosage, especially if the patient is a small puppy.
The effect of serum is instant. In severe cases, repeated administration may be prescribed, then the initial dose is divided in half. The following penicillin drugs can be used for antibiotic therapy: Benzylpenicillin, Bicillin, Levomycetin, Tetracycline, Streptomycin, Polymyxin, Ciprolet, Ciprofloxacin. Sulfanilamides are not used!
Hyperimmunization therapy in combination with antibacterial treatment is very effective. The dosage of drugs is prescribed depending on the weight of the dog.
To normalize the work of vital systems and organs, diet therapy is prescribed in combination with the intake of vitamins and hepatoprotectors, including drugs: Galstena, Essentiale, Hepaston, etc.
To strengthen the heart and improve the elasticity of blood vessels, vitamin C, rutin, carducal, riboxin, etc. can be prescribed. And you can raise immunity with the help of Katozal, Glycopin, Ribotan, Hemobalans.
To eliminate the effects of poisoning and dehydration of the body, saline, as well as saline and nutrient injections are prescribed.
In order to normalize the functioning of the kidneys, "Lespenephril" ("Lespeflan") is prescribed. Antiemetic - "Tserukal" ("Metoclopramide"). Antidiarrheal drugs: Enterosgel, Loperamide (strictly after withdrawal of intoxication).
In the acute hemorrhagic form of leptospirosis, a pet’s life lasts for minutes. Here you can not hesitate in any case, because most of the sick dogs die.
But those who have already had leptospirosis receive stable immunity for life. And after the treatment, the pet's health should be under constant and close monitoring.
Vaccination
As a rule, persistent immunity after vaccination is observed for up to half a year. Therefore, the vaccine against leptospirosis of dogs should ideally be given twice a year, every 6 months at the same time and twice with an interval of 14 days.
However, most dogs are vaccinated annually at regular intervals. For the first time, such a vaccination is given to a puppy at the age of 3 months, but not during tooth growth. At the same time, the vaccine will not provide a 100% guarantee of protection against leptospirosis, but it will significantly mitigate the clinical picture if the pet is ill.
A week before vaccination, it is imperative to carry out deworming. After vaccination, quarantine must be observed for 2-3 weeks, depending on the vaccination. The vaccine schedule is compiled by a veterinarian, and not on their own. It is necessary to monitor the expiration date of the vaccine and prevent the use of an expired drug.
The list of vaccines successfully used in Russia:
- Nobivac L - against leptospirosis. Country - Manufacturer - Holland.
- Nobivac LR - from leptospirosis and rabies - manufacturer - Netherlands.
- Leptodog L (France).
- "Multican-6" from Russia.
- "Vanguard 5 / L", "Vanguard 7" from the USA.
- "Biovak L" from Russia.
The greatest number of positive reviews and the least number of side effects were observed for Nobivak and Multikana-6. But definitely before using the vaccine, you should consult an experienced veterinarian. It will not be superfluous to read reviews on the Internet yourself. Well, and, of course, read the instructions for the drug.
Preventative measures
The article presents leptospirosis in dogs on a photo, the symptoms and treatment are described in detail. However, in order to prevent this terrible disease, the best thing to do is to use prevention.
The following measures can be classified as preventive:
- Timely and competent vaccination, as well as additional vaccinations, if there is a risk of increased epidemiological danger in the region of residence.
- A close examination of the dog after each walk, especially during the hot period.
- Vitaminization in the offseason.
- Providing a balanced diet of superior quality feed.
- The prohibition of swimming in bodies of water with stagnant water, especially in July-August.
- Providing high-level care and decent content.
- Conducting a weekly treatment of the dog's place: a couch, rug, bowl, toys, aviary or booth.
- The use of high-quality drugs against ticks and fleas.
- Control of drinking (you need to strictly monitor that the dog does not drink from puddles and ponds).
How to behave to the owner
If the dog has already been diagnosed and confirmed, the following measures are mandatory in order not to get leptospirosis from the pet:
- Disinfect in the apartment where the sick dog was, using 3% chloramine-B (disinfectant). Next, use an ultraviolet lamp for 30 minutes.
- Exclude contact of children with a sick dog.
- Do not allow the animal to lick its hands, face and jump on people.
- All necessary actions with the dog during treatment should be carried out with gloves, excluding contacts with secretions (urine, mucous membranes, feces).
- Make sure that the dog does not defecate in the apartment. If this still happened, treat the place with a 3% or 2% chlorine solution of chloramine using rubber gloves.
- After forced contact with a sick animal, even if gloves were used, wash hands in warm water with laundry soap to the elbow.
- To pass tests without fail to all family members for the presence of leptospirosis immediately, as soon as the disease is diagnosed in a dog.
Even if the worst thing happened - your beloved dog fell ill with leptospirosis, do not despair and give up. Everything possible must be done so that the dog recovers as soon as possible with minimal damage to health.