{"id":1102,"date":"2021-07-29T01:47:59","date_gmt":"2021-07-29T01:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baysideanimalhospitalonline.com\/?p=1102"},"modified":"2022-03-02T07:14:39","modified_gmt":"2022-03-02T15:14:39","slug":"answers-to-common-questions-about-leptospirosis-in-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.baysideanimalhospitalonline.com\/blog\/answers-to-common-questions-about-leptospirosis-in-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Answers to Common Questions About Leptospirosis in Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Leptospirosis is the most widespread <\/span>zoonotic disease<\/span><\/a> in the world. A zoonotic disease can be spread between animals and humans, meaning you can catch leptospirosis from your pet if they become ill. Our team at <\/span>Bayside Animal Hospital <\/b>wants to answer some common questions about this concerning disease, to help you understand the condition, and to take the necessary steps to prevent you and your pet from becoming infected.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: What is leptospirosis and how can my dog be infected?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Answer: <\/b>Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira. Numerous strains can cause infection across the United States, but the most common culprits include <\/span>L. canicola, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. pomona, <\/span><\/i>and <\/span>L. grippotyphosa.<\/span><\/i> Leptospira bacteria thrive in warm conditions, especially where annual rainfall levels are high. Many species can carry the bacteria, including cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and wild animals. Humans are also susceptible to the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infection is transmitted through contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids (e.g., urine, blood, and saliva) or contaminated soil, food, or water. The bacteria can enter the body through the mucous membranes or skin, especially any small wounds. Your pet can also become infected by drinking contaminated water, or eating from a contaminated carcass. A bite from an infected animal can also result in transmission. Your dog is at higher risk if they swim and drink from natural water sources, roam across rural land, or frequently contact wild animals, farm animals, or rodents.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: What signs will my dog exhibit if affected by leptospirosis?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A: <\/b>The Leptospira bacteria settle in the liver and kidneys and can cause <\/span>kidney<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>liver<\/span><\/a> failure. Mildly infected dogs may show no signs, but can still spread the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other signs may include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n