1. Leptospirosis

2. Leptospirosis is an infection of bacterial spirochetes, which dogs acquire when subspecies of the Leptospira interrogans penetrate the skin and spread through the body by way of the bloodstream. These bacteria can be found worldwide in soil and water.

3. Etiology Aerobic gram-negative spirochetes that are fastidious
slow growing
have characteristic corkscrew-like motility
The taxonomy of Leptospira is complex and can be confusing. Leptospira were divided into two groups;
The pathogenic Leptospira were all classified as members of L interrogans
The Saprophytic Leptospira were classified as L biflexa

4. Epidemiology Leptospirosis is found throughout the world.
The infection (and disease) is more prevalent in warm, moist climates and is endemic in much of the tropics.
In temperate climates, the disease is more seasonal, with the highest incidence after periods of rainfall.
Rainfall; Contaminated environment
Poor Sanitation; Inadequate drainage facilities
Presence of rodents, cattle & stray dogs

5. Pathogenesis
Leptospires invade the body after penetrating exposed mucous membranes or damaged skin
Leptospires circulate in the blood and replicate in many tissues including the liver, kidneys, lungs, genital tract, and CNS for 7–10 days.
During the period of bacteremia and tissue colonization, the clinical signs of acute leptospirosis, which vary by serovar and host, occur
Agglutinating antibodies can be detected in serum soon after leptospiremia occurs and coincide with clearance of the leptospires from blood and most organs.
As the organisms are cleared, the clinical signs of acute leptospirosis begin to resolve, although damaged organs may take some time to return to normal function.

6. Clinical Signs Sudden fever and illness
Sore muscles, reluctance to move
Stiffness in muscles, legs, stiff gait
Shivering
Weakness
Depression
Lack of appetite
Increased thirst and urination, may be indicative of chronic renal (kidney) failure, progressing to inability to urinate
Rapid dehydration

7. Vomiting, possibly with blood
Diarrhea - with or without blood in stool
Bloody vaginal discharge
Dark red speckled gums (petechiae)
Yellow skin and/or whites of eyes – anemic symptoms
Spontaneous cough
Difficulty breathing, fast breathing, irregular pulse
Runny nose
Swelling of the mucous membrane
Mild swelling of the lymph nodes

8. Necropsy Findings Gross necropsy findings can include: Jaundice
Effusions
Petechial or ecchymotic hemorrhages on any organ
Pleural, or peritoneal surface
The kidneys and liver may be enlarged, and lungs may be wet, heavy, and discolored
The liver is often friable with an accentuated lobular pattern and may have a yellowish brown discoloration
The kidneys may have white foci on the subcapsular surface.

10. Diagnosis Chemical blood profile Complete blood count Urinalysis
Electrolyte panel
Fluorescent antibody urine test
Urine and blood cultures
Agglutination test

11. Differential Diagnosis
Fever
Viral fever, Malaria, Typhus
Jaundice
Malaria, Viral hepatitis, Sepsis
Renal Failure
Malaria, Hanta virus, Sepsis
Meningitis
Bacterial / Viral causes
Hemorrhagic Fever
Dengue, Hanta virus, Typhus

12. Treatment Fluid therapy- primary treatment Antiemetic
Blood transfusion
Antibiotics- penicillin, tetracycline and fluoroquinolones

13. Prevention and Control
Vaccination
Avoid contact with your dog’s urine;
If you are cleaning surfaces that may be contaminated or have urine from an infected pet on them, use an antibacterial cleaning solution or a solution of 1 part household bleach in 10 parts water.
Encourage your dog to urinate away from standing water or areas where people or other animals will have access;
Preventing dogs from swimming in ponds and slow-moving water can also help.

14. Make sure to inspect kennels before placing your dog in one – the kennel should be kept very clean and should be free of rodents (look for rodent droppings).
Activity should be restricted to cage rest while your dog recovers from the physical trauma of this infection.
Limiting pet’s access to contaminated water