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Canine LeptospirosisCanine leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by a family of organisms known as Leptospira interrogans.
The organism causing leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans) have many different strains (serovars). Among these different serovars, eight of them are of
particular significance to dogs, people, and some other animals, such as livestock. They are problematic because they produce different levels and types of disease depending
on the animals they infect.
When examined under a microscope, the bacteria look like a bunch of question marks. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream of a dog, the dog will become infected and
develop canine leptospirosis.
Although vaccines are available for canine leptospirosis, until the beginning of the year 2000, the vaccines were effective only against two serovars (canicola and
icterhaemorrhagiae). As a result, these two serovars have been decreasing in total number of infections.
Recently, vaccines for two additional types (grippotyphosa and pomona) have been developed.
Unfortunately, some dogs have developed allergic reactions to the vaccines. As a result, some veterinarians no longer vaccinate dogs in areas where the disease is not
prevalent.
How is Canine Leptospirosis Transmitted?Leptospirosis is transmitted primarily through contact with the urine of an infected animal, bite wounds, or the ingestion of infected tissue. It can also be transmitted indirectly through contaminated water sources, food, or even bedding. As you can imagine, dogs living in a kennel have a higher risk of being infected. Since dogs constantly sniff the urine spots of other dogs, they are at greater risk of getting liptospirosis than people. (People who regularly clean up after animals, such as kennel owners, veterinarians, farmers, etc., are at a higher risk.) Slow moving water or stagnant water is a perfect breeding place for the bacteria. As a result, outbreaks of leptospirosis often increase during periods of flooding. In dry areas, infections are more common around water sources. Leptospirosis is a disease of tropical and temperate climates, because freezing greatly reduces the survival of the organism in the environment. TopSymptoms of Canine Leptospirosis
A dog is infected when the bacteria enters his bloodstream through mucous membranes or broken skin. Upon entering the body, the bacteria multiply rapidly, and spread
to other areas including the kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, eyes, and genital tract.
Signs of the disease generally appear within one to two weeks after contact with the infected urine, although sometimes symptoms can begin as soon as two days after exposure.
Early signs of infection include:
Diagnosis and Treatment of Canine LeptospirosisA positive diagnosis can be made through a blood test. Conventional treatment for leptospirosis in dogs includes the use of antibiotics such as penicillin and tetracycline to treat the bacterial infection. Other treatment such as fluid replacement, therapies to deal with any liver or kidney involvement may also be necessary.Natural Remedies for Canine LeptospirosisWhile natural remedies such as herbs cannot cure leptospirosis in dogs, these natural remedies can be effectively used as aftercare treatment. In cases where a dog's liver has been involved, herbs beneficial to the liver such as milk thistle, turmeric, yarrow, licorice, and dandelion can be used. Please visit our page on Dog Liver Health for more information. If a dog's kidneys have been affected by canine leptospirosis, diuretic herbs such as dandelion, alfalfa, and nettle are beneficial. Please visit our page on Dog Kidney Failure for more information. TopPrevention of Canine Leptospirosis
The best way to prevent your dog from getting leptospirosis is to keeping him away from potential sources of infection, such as contaminated water sources, wildlife
reservoirs, or other domestic animals that are infected or chronic carriers.
As mentioned above, there are vaccines for some serovars that cause canine leptospirosis. However, leptospiral vaccine reactions (such as soreness and swelling of the
injection site, temporary appetite loss or ill feeling) are common among dogs. In serious cases, a dog may have difficulty breathing, or develop hives or facial swelling.
Leptospiral vaccines may only protect dogs for about 6 to 8 months, so dogs who live in high risk areas have to be vaccinated twice a year.
Because of the potential reaction to the vaccination, dog parents should consult with their veterinarians to determine whether the risk of contracting canine leptospirosis
outweighs the risk of vaccine reactions.
If you live in a high risk area but do not want your dog to be vaccinated, consult with a holistic vet for the possibility of using a homeopathic nosode instead.
(A nosode can be considered as an "oral vaccine" - it can "immunize" the body against a specific disease and is prepared from the actual organism which is associated with the
disease in question, but is treated and diluted many times.)
You May Also Want to See: Common Canine Health Problems Dog Kidney Failure Liver Disease in Dogs References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). PetEducation.com TOP of Canine Leptospirosis |
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