Leptospirosis in dogs: signs, symptoms and treatment, vaccination

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

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, can be transmitted to both other animals and humans. This condition is often referred to as infectious jaundice.

Pathogens

Leptospirosis in dogs is caused by pathogenic bacteria called leptospirosis or leptospirosis. These microorganisms have six independent subgroups, the most dangerous among them are L. Icterohaemorrhagiae, L. Canicolau.

The habitat of these bacteria are damp soil, rivers, reservoirs, and they retain their viability for 9 months. High humidity and heat are the most optimal conditions for them. Therefore, epidemics of leptospirosis often occur in tropical countries and never in cold climates.

Leptospira are resistant to most disinfectants, except for drugs of the first group of toxicity, which are prohibited from being used at home.

Description of the disease

So what is this disease - leptospirosis in dogs? And how do parasites get into the environment? The described disease is also called Weil's disease, which is characterized by hemorrhagic liver damage, in addition, blood vessels, kidneys and other organs and systems suffer.

Leptospirosis in dogs (photo - hereinafter) is extremely dangerous for all kinds of mammals, 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 due to their undeveloped immunity. Old dogs and unvaccinated pets are also at risk.

There is also a predisposition to leptospirosis in dog breeds with a loose constitution, such as the French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Boxer, Canne Corso, Sharpei, Bullmastiff, Basset Hound, Bloodhound.

This bad disease is very difficult to treat. Often, if measures are not taken in a timely manner, animals quickly die. In order to prevent the death of a pet with leptospirosis, it is necessary to start treatment on time, and for this it is necessary to make a diagnosis as soon as possible and, most importantly, correctly diagnose.

Leptospira bacteria enter the environment through faeces, urine, genital secretions and milk of sick animals. The most common virus carriers are small rodents: mice and rats.

Causes of occurrence

Leptospirosis in dogs is most commonoccurs when the body of the animal is weakened. Dogs kept in groups are at greater risk, especially if conditions are unfavorable. These could be shelters or nurseries, for example.

Leptospirosis in dogs is transmitted through contact with an infected animal, through shared items (bowls, collars, etc.), through poor-quality food and water, through the bites of parasitic insects (fleas, ticks, etc.).). Often, infection occurs while swimming in open water 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. The reproduction of bacteria occurs in stages.

First, this is the bacteremic period, when microorganisms are concentrated in the circulatory system. Then, with the blood, they enter other organs and tissues, where they successfully multiply, poisoning the body, and the toxic phase begins.

When the incubation period is over, the leptospira enter the bloodstream, the release of toxins and the destruction of the walls of blood vessels begin. Signs of leptospirosis in a dog are manifested in a poisoned organism by a violation of blood metabolism, and, as a result, the animal has convulsive seizures, the nervous system and liver are depressed.

After 4-10 days from the time of infection, the pet becomes contagious to others. However, the symptoms may not appear so clearly for a long period of time, which happens depending on the level of protection of the body and the quality ofimmunity.

General symptoms

The first and main sign of leptospirosis in dogs is disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and kidney and liver failure develops. At this time, pathogens accumulate in parenchymal organs, capillaries are affected, bacteria actively multiply in the tissues of the animal's body.

External symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs are as follows:

1. Increase or decrease in temperature - from very high (up to 41°C) to too low (36.5°C).
2. The animal loses activity, becomes lethargic and indifferent.
3. Appetite decreases.
4. There is nausea, vomiting (in the last stages with blood), diarrhea or constipation.
5. Jaundice develops, mucous membranes and sclera of the eye become yellowish.
6. There are blood impurities in urine and feces.
7. Impaired urination.
8. Movement hurts.
9. Breathing is heavy, sometimes wheezing.
10. Bad breath.
11. Convulsions and seizures.
12. Belly increases in size.
13. 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

The symptoms and treatment of leptospirosis in dogs are always intertwined. Based on this, icteric and hemorrhagic forms of the disease are distinguished.

Manifestations of ictericforms of leptospirosis can be observed already on the eighth day after infection. Puppies and young animals are more likely to be affected by this variety. With this form, leptospira actively multiplies in the liver. Clinical signs are as follows:

1. Yellowness of the mucous membranes of the nose, ears, mouth, genitals, the skin and whites of the eyes also turn yellow.
2. Eye starts to discharge, conjunctivitis develops.
3. Apathetic behavior and lack of appetite.
4. Nausea and vomiting.
5. Diarrhea or constipation.
6. The abdominal cavity in the region of the liver is noticeably enlarged.
7. 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

Hemorrhagic (not icteric) form of leptospirosis in dogs has the following symptoms:

1. Without food and water.
2. 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.
3. Dry and hot nose, bleeding.
4. Diarrhea with blood indicating internal bleeding.
5. Stink from the mouth, bleeding ulcers.
6. Frequent and prolonged vomiting.
7. Lymph nodes enlarged.
8. Food is not taken or digested.
9. Tremor and body spasms.
10. Skin becomes visibly paler.
11. Urine with mucus, feces with blood.

The transience of the disease suggests thatAt the first sign of a pet being unwell, you should immediately contact a specialist. The disease leads to complete exhaustion of the body, therefore, with this form, 75% of animals die in agony.

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 and correct manner, treatment is started on time, then the pet has every chance of recovery. In the acute form, the mortality rate is up to 80%, and in the subacute form, up to 50%.

The course of this form of the disease can also be chronic, when the clinical signs of leptospirosis in dogs are mild. At the same time, the temperature of the pet is within the normal range. However, there are serious disturbances in the work of the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal tract. The immune system is also depressed, and the dog's condition is constantly changing: either towards improvement, or it gets worse. During examination and palpation, the pet experiences pain in the abdominal cavity.

There is also a latent or asymptomatic form, and in another way - microcarrier. In this case, there is a complete absence of symptoms characteristic of leptospirosis. However, the animal is capable of isolating a contagious infection into the external environment.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of leptospirosis in dogs begins with a history taking. Then the veterinarian examines the animal, including palpation and prescribes research.

The owner must definitely tell the doctor, after which the dog's condition worsened. Perhaps the pet has recently bathed in a pond or played with other dogs (especially if they were stray animals), or has recently been bitten by a tick.

Assigned Studies:

Serological blood test for microagglutination reaction or PMA. The sampling is carried out one week after the first signs of the disease are detected

This study is scheduled again 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 at an antibody titer of 1:50+++

If the pet is vaccinated and the titers show 1650++ or even higher, then the veterinarian will consider each such case on an individual basis.

When analyzing for leptospirosis in dogs, it should be borne in mind that the vaccine affects animals differently, post-vaccination titers may exceed the allowable.

2. Urinalysis.

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 has been made. In no case should you treat your beloved pet on your own. Only a doctor can make the right appointments.

According to the symptoms, and the treatment of leptospirosis in dogs is prescribed by a veterinarian. The treatment complex includes etiotropic, pathogenetic and symptomatic medicinaldrugs. Serums with hyperimmune action are included in etiotropic therapy, which are very effective at the initial stages of the disease.

The therapy complex includes the following therapeutic measures:

1. Antibacterial therapy.
2. Stabilization and normalization of the functions of affected systems and organs.
3. Removal of symptoms of acute poisoning and their consequences.
4. Recovery of the digestive system.
5. Improvement of immunity.
6. A sparing diet low in protein and, in 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 anti-leptospirosis serum, which is used both for therapeutic purposes and for prevention. However, only the attending physician can choose the dosage, especially if the patient is a small puppy.

The effect of the serum is instant. In severe cases, repeated administration may be prescribed, then the initial dose is divided in half. With antibacterial therapy, the following penicillin preparations can be used: "Benzylpenicillin", "Bicillin", "Levomycetin", "Tetracycline", "Streptomycin", "Polymyxin", "Ciprolet", "Ciprofloxacin". Sulfonamides are not used!

Therapy using hyperimmunization in combination with antibiotic treatment is very effective. The dosage of drugs is prescribed depending on the weight of the dog.

In order to normalize the work of vital systems and organs, diet therapy is prescribed in combination with taking vitamins and hepatoprotectors, including drugs: Galstena, Essentiale, Gepaston, 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 Catozal, Glycopin, Ribotan, Hemobalance.

To eliminate the consequences of poisoning and dehydration of the body, the use of saline, as well as s alt-containing and nutrient injections are prescribed.

To normalize the functioning of the kidneys, they prescribe "Lespenefril" ("Lespeflan"). Antiemetic - "Cerukal" ("Metoclopramide"). Antidiarrheals: "Enterosgel", "Loperamide" (strictly after the removal of intoxication).

In acute hemorrhagic form of leptospirosis, the pet's life goes on for minutes. Here you can not hesitate in any case, because most of the sick dogs die.

But those who have already been ill with leptospirosis receive strong immunity for life. And after the treatment, the he alth of the pet should be under constant and close control.

Vaccination

As a rule, stable immunity after vaccination is observed for up to half a year. Therefore, the canine leptospirosis vaccine should ideally be given twice a year, every 6 months at the same time.the same time and twice with an interval of 14 days.

However, more often 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 the growth of teeth. At the same time, the vaccine will not provide a 100% guarantee of protection against leptospirosis, but it will significantly alleviate the clinical picture if the pet does get sick.

One 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 schedule of vaccinations is compiled by a veterinarian, and not independently. It is necessary to monitor the expiration date of the vaccine and avoid using an expired drug.

List of vaccines successfully used in Russia:

1. Nobivac L - against leptospirosis. Country of origin - Holland.
2. Nobivac LR - from leptospirosis and rabies - manufacturer - Holland.
3. Leptodog L (France).
4. Multican-6 from Russia.
5. Vanguard 5/L, Vanguard 7 from USA.
6. Biovac L from Russia.

Nobivak and Multikan-6 have the largest number of positive reviews and the least side effects. But definitely before using the vaccine, you should consult with an experienced veterinarian. It will not be superfluous to read the reviews on the Internet yourself. Well, and, of course, read the instructions for the drug.

Preventive measures

The article presents a photo of leptospirosis in dogs, the symptoms and treatment are described in detail. However, in order to prevent thisterrible disease, the best thing to do is to use prevention.

The following measures can be attributed to preventive measures:

1. Timely and competent vaccination, as well as additional vaccinations if there is a risk of increased epidemiological danger in the region of residence.
2. Checking the dog closely after every walk, especially during hot weather.
3. Fortification in the off-season.
4. Providing a balanced diet with the highest quality food.
5. Bathing in standing water is prohibited, especially in July-August.
6. Providing high-level care and decent maintenance.
7. Carrying out weekly processing of the dog's place: bed, rug, bowl, toys, aviary or booth.
8. Use high quality anti-tick and flea products.
9. Control drinking (you need to strictly ensure that the dog does not drink from puddles and ponds).

How to behave as an owner

If the dog has already been diagnosed and confirmed, in order not to become infected with leptospirosis from the pet, the following measures are required:

1. Disinfect the apartment where the sick dog was with 3% chloramine-B (disinfectant). Next, use the UV lamp for 30 minutes.
2. Exclude contact of children with a sick dog.
3. Do not let the animal lick hands, face and jump on people.
4. All necessary actions with the dog during treatment should be carried out with gloves, while excluding contact with secretions (urine, mucous membranes,feces).
5. Make sure that the dog does not defecate in the apartment. If this does happen, treat the area with a 3% chloramine solution or a 2% chlorine solution using rubber gloves.
6. After forced contact with a sick animal, even if gloves were used, wash hands in warm water with laundry soap up to the elbow.
7. It is mandatory for all family members to be tested for leptospirosis as soon as the disease is diagnosed in a dog.

Even if the worst 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 he alth.