Leptospirosis in Dogs: Signs to Watch for and When it is an Emergency

The word leptospirosis strikes fear into the hearts of pet owners. That’s because leptospirosis is a serious, life-threatening bacterial infection that passes from animal to animal via contact with urine.

For this blog, we’ll discuss leptospirosis in canines. Also known as Weil’s disease, and sometimes referred to as “lepto,” this is an infection that can be contracted and spread by a wide range of animals, from domestic to wildlife, and rodents to livestock.

WHAT DOG OWNERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LEPTO

It’s a frightening fact, but if you’re a dog parent, the most important thing you should know about leptospirosis is that you can lose your dog to this disease. That’s why it’s crucial to vaccinate your dog against this illness, particularly in areas where lepto is prevalent. Humidity plays a factor, as lepto cases are more common in places like Hawaii and Puerto Rico, as well as any region that has experienced flood waters.

If you suspect your dog may have been exposed to or contracted leptospirosis, don’t panic… but do take swift action. This disease inflicts severe damage – but the earlier it’s caught, the more promising the outcome. Bring your dog to a VEG emergency vet right away. Find the VEG animal hospital closest to you here.

LEPTOSPIROSIS IN DOGS: CAUSE AND PROGRESSION OF THE DISEASE

Caused by the Leptospira bacteria, leptospirosis progresses rapidly, damaging major organs and leading to death if untreated. Kidney damage and liver failure are two complications of leptospirosis.

If caught early and treated right away, your dog can have a good outcome after a leptospirosis infection. But if treatment is delayed, serious medical complications like the ones above can result.

If your dog has a more advanced form of leptospirosis and then recovers through treatment, it’s not the end of his recovery journey. Kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart may have been affected by the infection and he may need ongoing treatment. For example, if the leptospirosis affected his kidneys, your dog may need dialysis.

This is why it’s critical to bring a dog at risk of lepto into the emergency vet without delay. If your dog exhibits symptoms of this disease (see below), contact a VEG animal emergency hospital asap for prompt, expert veterinary care.

LEPTOSPIROSIS IN DOGS: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Don’t overlook signs of lepto in your dog. The disease starts out with mild symptoms that progress rapidly. Your dog may seem feverish and lethargic at first, with a slight decrease in appetite.

As the infection progresses, symptoms can become more pronounced and may include:

• High fever
• Jaundice (a yellowish tinge noticeable in the skin, whites of the eyes, and gums)
• Muscle tenderness
• Reluctance to move due to joint or muscle pain
• Severe lethargy or depression
• Vomiting and diarrhea, which may contain blood

HOW DOGS SPREAD LEPTOSPIROSIS

Leptospirosis is transmitted through contact with contaminated water, soil, or urine from infected animals. Recognizing the signs early can be the key to preventing serious health outcomes.

If your dog displays any of the above symptoms, especially if he’s had social contact with other dogs and is not vaccinated for leptospirosis, act immediately.

VEG hospitals are open 24 hours a day. Bring your dog in anytime to be seen by one of our competent emergency vets, who will treat your dog for leptospirosis and help ensure a swift and complete recovery.

Early intervention can significantly improve the outcome for leptospirosis patients. DO NOT DELAY in getting medical treatment for your dog.

SIGNS OF SEVERE LEPTOSPIROSIS INFECTION

As the disease progresses, severe infection can develop, which requires immediate veterinary attention. Signs include:

• Bloody vomit or feces
• Coughing, especially if it is persistent
• Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
• Increased thirst and urination, which may be a sign of kidney involvement
• Rapid dehydration

These symptoms indicate that the lepto infection may have spread to major organs, making it a critical emergency. If you observe any of the above, do not wait—contact VEG emergency animal hospital immediately. Understanding when your dog’s condition is becoming critical can help save his or her life.

MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS

Kidney and liver failure One of the most severe complications of leptospirosis is organ failure, particularly of the kidneys and liver. Signs that your dog may be experiencing organ failure include:

• Confusion or disorientation, which indicates potential toxins building up in the bloodstream
• Marked increase in thirst and urination, or a complete stop in urination
• Severe jaundice
• Swollen abdomen due to fluid accumulation

These symptoms are a major cause for alarm. They require immediate veterinary intervention to provide the best chance for recovery.

Respiratory distress If leptospirosis affects the lungs, your dog may experience respiratory problems. Symptoms of this can include:

• Blue-tinged gums, which indicate insufficient oxygen flow
• Extreme fatigue or inability to rise
• Labored, rapid or noisy breathing

This is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent care. Prompt veterinary treatment can often lead to positive outcomes, but delays can be fatal to your pet.

PREVENTING LEPTOSPIROSIS IN DOGS

Take preventive measures against this debilitating disease by getting your dog vaccinated. Vaccination is the most effective means of prevention of leptospirosis.

Even if your dog hasn’t been exposed and is symptom-free, you’ll want to add leptospirosis to your dog’s vaccination schedule if you have not already.

VEG is here for emergencies but for vaccinations, discuss options with your primary care veterinarian. Make that appointment with your regular vet as soon as possible, especially if you live in an area that is prone to flooding, has a humid climate, or where you know that leptospirosis is common.

REDUCE RISK OF LEPTO: AVOID STANDING WATER, CONTACT WITH WILDLIFE

In addition to vaccination, reduce your dog’s risk of contracting leptospirosis by avoiding areas where the bacteria might be present. Your tail-wagger loves his walks, but refrain from walking your dog in areas known for standing water or that are frequented by wildlife.

PREVENT CANINE LEPTOSPIROSIS WITH REGULAR CHECK-UPS AND VACCINATION

Regular veterinary check-ups at your primary care veterinarian can help catch signs of leptospirosis early before they develop into severe complications.

Staying on top of your dog’s vaccination schedule gives strong protection against life-threatening lepto and other serious dog diseases.

THINK YOUR DOG HAS LEPTOSPIROSIS? CALL VEG ER FOR PETS

We hope from this blog, you have a good picture of how serious lepto can be. If you’re wondering if this virus can be passed from animals to humans and vice versa, please check with your physician.

As for your dog, always be vigilant and proactive about your pet’s health. Do not mess around with leptospirosis. This is a serious bacterial infection that is deadly for dogs, yet totally treatable if caught early. Get to a VEG animal clinic for diagnosis and treatment.

At VEG, we’ll give your doggo the immediate vet attention he needs. Our highly trained ER vet staff is ready 24/7 to treat lepto symptoms and any other emergency and urgent care needs.

Stay with your pet throughout treatment and know that your dog is receiving the expert emergency care, while keeping pet owners informed. And thanks to our open concept ER, you can even participate in your dog’s care at VEG. And if your dog has something serious like lepto, you want the experts to provide care. Emergency is all we do, so we do it best.