Leptospirosis is a dangerous, potentially fatal bacterial disease of dogs and many other species. While infection is possible in cats, clinical disease is extremely rare. The organism attacks the liver, kidneys or both, severely compromising the affected organs and making the patient extremeyly ill. Dogs infected with leptospirosis typically present with a history of severe vomiting, dehydration, jaundice, severe weakness, convulsions, and very high fever.
Leptospirosis tends to survive well in wet, freshwater environments, such as lake basins, marshes, or areas where puddles frequently form or persist. Chief carriers of leptospirosis are wild squirrel populations, with the organism shed through the urine of carrier squirrels. Thus, areas with high squirrel populations are also carry a hightened risk of exposure.
Treatment consists of aggressive fluid therapy, antibiotics, and supportive care. Prognosis is guarded at best once clinical symptoms set in, with many patients dying despite the best treatment efforts. An effective yearly vaccine is available for dogs at risk for the disease. For more information on risk factors for canine leptospirosis and prevention, see our Vaccine Info Page.
