Leptospirosis in dogs: causes, symptoms, treatment. Symptoms and treatment of hemorrhagic leptospirosis in dogs

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that occurs in all mammals. In dogs, this disease is especially susceptible to representatives of breeds with a loose (raw) constitution - sharpei, Mastino-Neapolitano,. If a dog is ill with leptospirosis, then its owner is also in danger.

Pathology in dogs is caused by anaerobic facultative microbes - leptospira. A huge number of strains of these microorganisms are conditionally divided into 2 classes:

It is the second type (Leptospira interrogans) of microorganisms that causes leptospirosis in dogs. The causative agent is extremely sensitive to environmental conditions - it dies under the influence of UV radiation, high temperature, when treated with disinfectants, and the pH of the habitat shifts to the acid side. However, in stagnant water, in swampy and damp soil, leptospira can be in a viable state for a long time, which plays an important role in infecting animals. This pathology has 2 forms:

• Weil-Vasiliev disease - icteric leptospirosis;
• anicteric appearance or "water fever".

The dog can become infected with the last form of leptospirosis through damage to the skin and mucous membranes (wounds, abrasions). Through the entrance gate of the infection - damage to the epidermis, the pathogenic microorganism penetrates into the lymph flow, then into the systemic bloodstream, spreading it to the organs, provoking a general lesion of the animal's body. Leptospira affects the kidneys, liver, circulatory system.

The anicteric form of leptospirosis is milder. The defeat of the body systems in Weyl-Vasiliev disease can lead to the death of the dog. Pathogenic spirochetes enter the dog's body by alimentary (fecal-oral), water and contact routes.

Symptoms and signs of the disease

Leptospirosis is characterized by an acute onset, undulating course, fever, hemorrhage (hemorrhage in the tissue), jaundice, intoxication, progressive renal failure and signs of aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the membranes of the brain).

• sudden increase in temperature, fever;
• loss of appetite, up to a complete refusal of food;
• thirst;
• dark urine with blood impurities;
• there are difficulties with urination;
• putrid smell from the mouth;
• diarrhea with traces of blood in the stool.

The progression of the disease is characterized by signs of severe liver damage and intoxication:

• the temperature drops to normal values;
• hemorrhages (hemorrhages) and ulcers appear on the mucous membrane in the oral cavity;
• signs of hemorrhages and ulcerations in the intestines (bloody diarrhea), liver (yellowing of the sclera of the eyes, mucous membranes of the mouth), kidneys (blood in the urine);
• on palpation of the abdomen, pain is noted, especially in the liver;
• pain on percussion (tapping) in the kidney area.

In young dogs and puppies of a week of age and up to 2 years of age, leptospirosis can proceed at lightning speed. All phases of the development of pathology pass within 2 hours, maximum - 2 days. Often the owner of the dog simply does not have time to take action, and the animal dies.

In the subacute phase of the course of the disease, the symptoms become less pronounced, and their manifestations are undulating. The chronic form of the disease is quite rare. Symptoms of chronic leptospirosis in dogs include:

• anemia - the mucous membranes become pale, the dog is lethargic, lethargic;
• rash and ulceration appear on the skin;
• the animal sheds, bald spots may form, the coat becomes dry, loses its luster;
• when probing, an increase in lymph nodes in the neck and groin is noticeable.

If a pregnant female becomes ill with leptospirosis, then, as a rule, a spontaneous miscarriage occurs or a weakened, non-viable offspring is born. The diagnosis of the disease can only be made by a veterinarian. An experienced specialist is already able to diagnose a pathology during a visual examination, but in order to confirm it, it is necessary to conduct a series of studies.

It will be interesting:

Methods for diagnosing leptospirosis in dogs

Leptospira are visible under a microscope in biological fluids - blood serum and urine, so the main diagnostic method is blood and urine tests:

• determination of the presence of microorganisms in liquids;
• a PCR test for the presence of antigens and antibodies;
• serological studies;
• determination of the level of bilirubin, protein in the urine, etc.

Ultrasound may be required to determine the degree of involvement of parenchymal organs. Analyzes are carried out to differentiate leptospirosis from pathologies with similar symptoms - infectious hepatitis, canine distemper, trichomoniasis, listeriosis, etc. After clarifying the diagnosis, a treatment is selected that depends on the stage and severity of the course of the pathology.

Treatment of disease in dogs

Treatment of leptospirosis is complex:

• Direct effect on the pathogen: antiviral therapy with the appointment of antibiotics and antiviral drugs. The introduction of a special serum with leptospira destroyed by boiling is recommended.
• Symptomatic therapy is based on the treatment of pathological changes in the cardiovascular system (vitamins C, B, drugs Rutin, Cardiamin, Riboxin). Therapy of renal and hepatic insufficiency is carried out (Karsil, Galstena). Prescribed drugs for detoxification of the body, antihistamine therapy. The water-salt balance is restored by the introduction of saline solutions.
• Maintenance therapy consists in the introduction of vitamin-mineral complexes and the intake of herbal decoctions with a choleretic effect.

An animal that has been ill with leptospirosis must follow a strict diet for the rest of its life. Treatment of leptospirosis is long and not always effective. According to statistics, up to 50% of sick dogs die from infection. Therefore, in order to prevent the disease, you should adhere to preventive measures.

Canine leptospirosis is one of the most severe systemic diseases that affects many systems of vital activity and, if not adequately treated, leads to persistent pathologies. There may be various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatitis, pancreatitis. It is necessary to recognize the symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs in a timely manner and begin the correct treatment in the complex of measures recommended by the veterinarian.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease affecting dogs of all breeds. It is carried by rats, but it can also be passed from dog to dog. Microbes are found in dog urine. The disease develops rapidly and is often fatal. A person can also become infected (then the disease is called infectious jaundice).

The causative agent, symptoms and signs of leptospirosis in dogs (with photo)

The disease is difficult to recognize at an early stage, as early symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs are similar to distemper, hepatitis, and nephritis. There are two types of the disease, depending on the microbe of the causative agent of leptospirosis: Leptospira Canicola and Icterohemorrhagiae. They have common symptoms, but the second type is more severe.

Common signs of leptospirosis in dogs are lethargy, weight loss, tightness in the back of the body, loose stools, and a temperature of 39.8-40.7°C. The whites of the eyes become clogged with small arteries, often giving them a coppery-yellow tint. In the later stages of the disease, the temperature drops to normal or lower. Light pressure on the liver causes pain.

If the dog has a milder form of leptospirosis (Canicola), the urine may be orange, chocolate, or brown, and may contain traces of blood.

The main symptom of the second type (Icterohemorrhagiae) is jaundice. With the development of the disease of the white of the eyes, the mucous membrane of the mouth and the skin turn yellow.

By the time jaundice is noticed, damage to the liver and kidneys is so severe that recovery is impossible.

The incubation period for canine leptospirosis is 2 to 15 days. The disease is acute, subacute, chronic and asymptomatic. In dogs, hemorrhagic and icteric forms of leptospirosis are isolated.

Treatment and prevention of leptospirosis in dogs

Treatment for leptospirosis in dogs is to remove the pathogen from the body and minimize symptoms.

To eliminate the pathogen, the dog is injected with hyperimmune serum (no later than 4-6 days from the onset of the disease), penicillin, dihydrostreptomycin and streptomycin are used. To relieve symptoms, antispasmodic for the liver, antiemetic, anticonvulsant and cardiac are used. The dog is placed in a warm room, with dehydration, balanced solutions and vitamins are administered intravenously. During and after illness, the pet should be given low-protein foods, in the case of an icteric form, low-fat foods.

In recovered dogs, a stable and intense immunity is formed, which lasts for years. However, vaccination of the animal is still required, especially when exporting it to regions that are unfavorable for this disease.

To prevent leptospirosis in dogs, animals should be vaccinated annually: we recommend complex vaccines that protect your pet from leptospirosis, rabies, canine distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus infection and parvovirus enteritis.

Against leptospirosis, dogs are vaccinated starting at 8-9 weeks of age, re-vaccination is carried out at intervals of 21-28 days. Before vaccination, anthelmintic treatment of the animal is required.

Leptospirosis is a disease that poses a danger not only to the life of the dog, but also to its owners. That is why it is important to identify it in a timely manner in order to take all necessary therapeutic and preventive measures. There are also names: infectious jaundice, Stuttgart disease or Weil's disease. If the dog is ill with leptospirosis - you can not hesitate!

What dog owners need to know about leptospirosis

A person is sick with leptospirosis, becoming infected from a pet

In order not to get leptospirosis from a pet, you must:

• be sure to disinfect the apartment where the dog was located with 3% chloramine-B (desinfection), with further connection of an ultraviolet lamp in the premises for at least 30 minutes (if the diagnosis was confirmed);
• it is necessary to completely limit the contact of children with a sick pet;
• do not allow an animal to jump on you or let it lick your hands or face;
• any manipulations with the dog for the duration of treatment (up to the moment when tests are obtained that the animal is healthy) should be carried out in personal protective equipment (rubber gloves), excluding any contact with infected secretions (the main source of infection is urine, and in the body human spirochetes penetrate through lesions of the skin and mucous membranes);
• make sure that the dog does not relieve himself in the conditions of the apartment. To do this, you need to walk your pet in a timely manner and / or quickly respond to the “requests” of the dog for extracurricular urges. In case of involuntary urination due to illness, the place must be washed and treated with a solution of chloramine-B 3% or 2% chlorine solution and always in rubber gloves;
• regardless of the availability of personal protective equipment, after contact with a sick dog or after cleaning up the feces, be sure to wash your hands in warm water with laundry soap up to the elbow;
• if a pet dog has been diagnosed with leptospirosis, it is mandatory to take a blood test for the presence of the disease to all family members who have had regular contact with the pet, so that if detected, treatment can begin as soon as possible.

The dog is sick - what to look for

The main signs of leptospirosis are determined by the sequence of distribution of spirochetes throughout the animal's body. First, spirochetes enter the hepatic system and the liver itself, and it is there that they begin to multiply, spreading further throughout the body with the bloodstream.

1. In the first days of infection, a usually active and frolicking pet becomes lethargic and inactive. The contrast in the change of behavior cannot be overlooked by the owner.
2. The body temperature jumps strongly (up to 41-42 ° C).
3. During the first 4-7 days after infection, rapid breathing is noted (up to 35-40 breathing movements / min) and the heartbeat accelerates (up to 200 beats / min.). Progressive heart failure.
4. There is bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Blood impurities are also noted in the vomit (leptospira practically “riddled” the blood vessels, provoking internal bleeding of varying intensity). After a few days, diarrhea can turn into constipation due to dehydration.
5. From the mouth begins to smell unpleasant (the smell is fetid-ammonia), the mucous membrane of the mouth may clearly turn yellow. The conjunctiva and the white of the eye also turn yellow. Small purulent sores may appear, which at first glance are perceived as microtraumas or scratches.
6. Weeping spots appear on the nasal mirror, which dry out, and dying areas form under them. It seems that the dog's nose "crumbles" in small pieces.
7. Before yellowing of the mucous membranes, their pronounced pallor against the background of anemia can be observed.
8. On the surface of the skin and coat there is an accumulation of plaque with a sharply unpleasant odor.
9. The pet stops drinking, and the urine becomes brown. Its amount is reduced to the level of complete absence of the act of urination. Dehydration appears (dry mucous membranes, lack of saliva, skin folds do not straighten). These are all signs of severe kidney failure.
10. As the disease progresses, breathing becomes heavy, hoarse and gurgling.
11. Sometimes there are convulsions.
12. After a week and a half, against the background of exhaustion, the body temperature usually drops below normal (up to 37 ° C). Usually, in this condition, few specialists undertake to treat the dog.

When infected with leptospirosis, all of the listed signs may appear, only some may be in an arbitrary combination, and in some cases an asymptomatic course may be observed.

Confirmation of the diagnosis

The diagnosis is confirmed only by laboratory tests for leptospirosis, despite a clear clinical picture that a good specialist will not leave doubts.

For laboratory tests, blood and urine are taken. In exceptional cases, discharge from the genitals may be taken. Posthumously, during an autopsy, the liver, fluid from the peritoneum and chest, and kidneys are examined.

Fresh urine is subjected to microscopy (examined under a microscope) and cultures are carried out on special laboratory media, i.e. identify living pathogens. Do the same with samples of secretions from the genitals.

They do not look for spirochetes in the blood; it is important to detect antibodies to this bacterium here. The study is carried out twice with an interval of 1 week. In leptospirosis, the number of detected antibodies increases tenfold.

How and what to treat

Treatment of leptospirosis in dogs is necessarily complex.

The main stages of treatment:

• I - destruction of the causative agent of the disease;
• II - restoration and maintenance of the cardiovascular system;
• III - elimination of intoxication, stopping attacks of vomiting and diarrhea;
• IV - restoration and maintenance of the functioning of the kidneys and the hepatic system, normalization of the gastrointestinal tract.

The fight against leptospira always comes first. All other stages can change their sequence at the discretion of the attending physician, depending on the condition of a particular four-legged patient.

Self-medication is prohibited! All procedures are carried out in a hospital and / or under the strict supervision of a veterinarian in compliance with personal safety measures from potential infection.

with a dog weighing up to 10 kg - 3 mg / animal, over 10 kg - 0.2-0.3 mg / kg of body weight in a course of 7 injections every other day. If there is severe kidney damage, then the dosage of polyoxidonium should not exceed 0.1 mg / kg, and injections are carried out no more than twice a week.

How to protect your dog from leptospirosis

Despite the danger of the disease, infection is successfully prevented. To do this, just follow a few simple rules:

1. The most important preventive measure is the annual vaccination against leptospirosis of dogs with domestic or foreign mono- or polyvaccines (the most common: Biovac-L, Leptodog, Biovac-DPAL, Dipentavak, Biorabik, Leptorabizin, Vangard-7, Multican-6, Hexakanivac, Hexadog).
2. It is strictly forbidden for a pet to drink from puddles and other natural reservoirs with stagnant water during a walk.
3. Avoid contact of domestic dogs with street dogs.
4. Observe the sanitary and hygienic rules for keeping pets.
5. Examine the body of a pet after a walk for the possible presence of ticks.
6. When caring for a sick / recovered pet, use personal protective equipment - separate overalls, rubber gloves, in some cases, a gauze bandage on the face.
7. Mandatory timely treatment of blood-sucking insects (ticks and fleas) and helminths.

Question answer

Can a dog be vaccinated against leptospirosis?

Not only possible, but necessary! Leptospirosis vaccination is given twice a year. The very first is done at the age of 8-9 weeks from birth, repeated after 3-4 weeks. Then annually according to a similar scheme (vaccination - after 21-28 days revaccination). Strong immunity is developed that protects the pet from infection and / or severe clinical manifestations of the disease in case of infection.

Is it possible to cure leptospirosis in a dog without consequences?

Unlikely. The disease very strongly affects the immunity and functions of almost all organs and systems, often leading to the death of the animal. If you still manage to cure the pet, then the bacteriocarrier can last for several years. Some functions of the excretory system, respiratory, cardiovascular and hepatobiliary can be impaired for life.

The main signs of leptospirosis: how to understand that the pet is sick?

The owner should definitely be alerted: a sharp lethargy of a household friend, a very high temperature (up to 42 ° C), urination disorders, darkening of urine and a yellow tint of the mucous membrane or skin (on hairless areas of the body).

What tests are given to diagnose leptospirosis?

To confirm or refute the diagnosis of leptospirosis, it is necessary to pass urine and blood for tests. In the blood they will look for antibodies to the pathogen, in the urine - the pathogens themselves.

The main causes of infection with leptospirosis

Contacts with yard dogs, drinking from puddles, non-compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements for keeping animals in houses and apartments, refusal to vaccinate significantly increase the risk of contracting leptospirosis.

How can you help a pet with leptospirosis at home?

Nothing! Self-treatment attempts at home are strictly prohibited!

Infectious diseases are dangerous not only for people, but also for pets. In order to suspect leptospirosis in a dog, it is necessary to know the main signs of the disease and the route of infection.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease of a bacterial nature, which is clinically manifested by intoxication syndrome, hemorrhagic manifestations, kidney and liver damage.

The causative agent of leptospirosis in dogs is the spirochete Leptospira interrogans. The bacterium is a spiral movable thread. In dogs, the disease can cause several serotypes: L. Icterohaemorrhagiae, L. Grippotyphosa. The bacterium does not tolerate exposure to low temperatures and thrives in a warm and humid environment. This factor is connected with the fact that outbreaks of leptospirosis occur in summer and spring, and in winter the disease practically does not occur.

The main mechanism of infection transmission is contact. It can be implemented in the following ways:

• swimming in open water;
• through the consumption of raw water, contaminated milk or meat;
• upon contact with an infected animal.

Most often, dogs become infected when swimming in contaminated water. In this case, infection does not occur through the skin, the bacterium can enter the body only through abrasions, wounds (when water comes into contact with the animal's blood).

Video "Leptospirosis in pets"

In this video, a qualified veterinarian will talk about the symptoms of leptospirosis, its causes, prevention and treatment.

Precautionary measures

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection, meaning it can be transmitted from animal to person. Therefore, if your pet is sick, you should protect yourself from infection:

1. Do not come into contact with animal blood or feces. Take care of your pet carefully, using personal protective equipment. For example, when cleaning the toilet, wear rubber gloves, avoid direct contact.
2. Bring a thorough cleaning of the place where the pet is.
3. Isolate your dog from other animals that could potentially be infected.
4. Do not contact with an animal if there are open wounds on the skin.

In the clinic of the disease, the following main syndromes can be distinguished:

• fever, intoxication syndrome;
• myalgia (muscle pain);
• kidney damage;
• liver damage;
• hemorrhagic syndrome.

Depending on the form of the disease, certain signs may predominate. At a late stage of the disease, symptoms of damage to the cardiovascular and central nervous systems may join.

hemorrhagic

In this form, hemorrhagic syndrome predominates. It can be manifested by the appearance of petechiae (pinpoint hemorrhages) on visible areas of the skin or mucous membranes. If the disease progresses, then signs of bleeding appear: nasal, gastrointestinal. The appearance of bleeding is very dangerous for the dog, because if left untreated it can be fatal.

The main syndrome is hemorrhagic, but additional features are also present. These include fever, lethargy, drowsiness, redness of the eyes.

icteric

For this form of the disease, the main symptom is liver damage. Clinically, this is manifested by icterus of the mucous membrane and visible areas of the skin. Due to the fact that the liver cannot cope with the detoxification function, a severe intoxication syndrome appears. In the future, signs of a hemorrhagic form may appear. This is due to the fact that some blood clotting factors are produced in the liver.

Additional signs of illness include:

• fever
• vomiting, diarrhea;
• decreased urine output;
• significant dehydration.

Diagnosis and treatment

Laboratory methods are used to diagnose leptospirosis. General clinical examination includes:

1. General blood test (CBC). It reveals an increase in the number of leukocytes and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). These indicators are not specific, they only indicate the presence of a bacterial infection.
2. General urine analysis (OAM). There is oliguria (a decrease in the amount of urine excreted), erythrocytes, leukocytes and protein in the urine may appear. This is indicative of kidney damage.
3. Blood chemistry. Examine the functions of the kidneys and liver. In the renal complex, there is an increase in the level of creatinine, urea. In the liver complex - an increase in the level of bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

Treatment of leptospirosis in dogs must necessarily include the appointment of medications.

Etiotropic treatment (aimed at combating the cause of the infection) consists in the use of antibacterial agents. Most often, a group of penicillins is prescribed, for example, "Benzylpenicillin". The dosage of the drug is selected by the veterinarian individually and depends on the weight of the dog and the severity of the disease. In the first days of the disease, it is possible to prescribe immunological serum for passive immunization of the dog.

Infectious diseases are terrible not only for animals, but also for humans. Leptospirosis in dogs is one of the most dangerous diseases (more than half of infections are fatal). Each pet owner should know the symptoms, preventive measures for leptospirosis so that the infection does not become fatal for the pet.

Leptospirosis or infectious jaundice, or Weil's disease, is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium - leptospira. It is distributed almost all over the world (except Antarctica), affects most species of mammals. More than 200 species and subspecies of the pathogenic bacterium leptospira (called serotypes or serogroups) are known to veterinary medicine. But more than 50% of them do not cause pathologies.

Important! Leptospira bacteria are close "relatives" of borreliosis and syphilis.

The infection is resistant to low temperatures, able to maintain viability and virulence for many months. Even if the ambient temperature drops to -70 degrees. An increase in ambient temperature, together with an increased level of humidity, is a favorable environment for maintaining life activity for up to a year and a half. Most often found in stagnant water bodies, with a large accumulation of leptospira bacteria, a visible film can form on the surface of the water.

In water it is able to remain active for 30 days, under favorable conditions. In running water no more than 10 days. In soil with high humidity, leptospira retain virulence for up to 300 days.

Bacteria are susceptible to drying, pH changes. When the temperature rises to 76 degrees and above - the infection dies instantly.

Ways of infection

The main ways of infection with leptospirosis:

1. Contact. Infection occurs by contact of mucous membranes or damaged skin with contaminated soil, water, sick animals or their secretions.
2. Alimentary. Infection occurs by getting bacteria into the stomach - quenching thirst from infected reservoirs, eating raw meat from carriers of leptospirosis or contaminated (infected animals) products.

Important! Dogs may excrete leptospira in the urine without showing clinical signs.

Carriers of leptospirosis are most often rodents and small predators that eat them:

• Rats;
• hedgehogs;
• shrews;
• The bats;
• Voles;
• Nutria;
• Ferrets;
• Martens;
• Arctic foxes;
• Foxes.

This is not the whole list of potential carriers of leptospirosis. Almost all mammals are susceptible to the disease, including cattle, artiodactyls, almost all canines. Remarkably, cats are the least likely to get sick.

Symptoms and signs in dogs

The disease has a huge number of clinical signs, as it affects almost all internal organs, the nervous and circulatory systems, and skeletal muscles. For this, American doctors called leptospirosis the chameleon disease, because the number of signs can confuse leptospirosis with canine distemper or infectious hepatitis.

The main symptoms and signs of leptospirosis:

1. Apathetic state, immobility;
2. Refusal of food;
3. Redness or yellowing of mucous membranes;
4. Vomit;
5. Diarrhea, other signs of gastrointestinal disorders;
6. Inclusions of blood in urine, dark color of urine;
7. Poor urination, decreased amount of urine;
8. Stomatitis;
9. Increase in body temperature;
10. Deterioration of blood clotting;
11. Lameness, lack of coordination;
12. Shortness of breath, rapid pulse;
13. Wheezing when breathing;
14. Jaundice of the epithelium and mucous membranes;
15. Dehydration;
16. abdominal pain;
17. Anorexia.

Most often, symptoms appear 4 to 9 days after infection. Signs of leptospirosis can vary depending on which organs are damaged. Perhaps the defeat of all organs, then the symptoms will be extensive. But the greatest danger of this disease is that the symptoms are not always pronounced, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.

Leptospira bacteria, after entering the body, are easiest to penetrate into the kidneys, in this regard, the first clinical signs are associated with urination. Then the work of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, spleen is disrupted. Also, the walls of blood vessels are destroyed, the work of the circulatory system is disrupted, which leads to internal bleeding.

Important! Recovered animals remain carriers of leptospira for a long time.

Forms of leptospirosis

Leptospirosis in dogs is divided into 3 forms - chronic, hemorrhagic and icteric. Symptoms also depend on the form of manifestation of the disease. The nature of the disease is determined by the state of the dog's immune system.

Chronic

The disease enters the chronic phase if the dog managed to get sick with other types of leptospirosis. The chronic form lasts for several years, with a decrease in immunity or with concomitant diseases, it reappears. Rarely diagnosed.

Symptoms of chronic leptospirosis:

• Anorexia, weight loss and appetite;
• Paleness of mucous membranes;
• Enlarged lymph nodes;
• epithelial necrosis;
• Hard breath;
• apathetic state;
• Cardiopalmus;
• Lack of estrus in females and lack of sexual desire in males;
• Stillbirth (loss of fetuses in females).

Hemorrhagic

The anicteric phase of leptospirosis occurs most often in fully formed individuals. Duration of the acute hemorrhagic phase up to 7 days. With untimely or incorrect treatment, in 70% of cases a fatal outcome occurs, or the disease flows into a chronic stage.

The leptospira bacterium in the hemorrhagic form of the disease affects the circulatory system to a greater extent. Based on this, the clinical signs are:

• A sharp increase in body temperature to 41 degrees or more;
• increased thirst;
• "Marble" mucous membranes (bright red pigment of the mucous membranes interspersed with pale pink and white);
• Refusal of food;
• Lethargy, inactivity;
• Diarrhea;
• Vomit;
• Dehydration;
• Seizures.

After 3 - 4 days, the body temperature drops to normal, or lower. In vomit and feces, blood impurities are clearly visible. During 2 - 3 days with a probability of more than 80%, the dog can no longer be saved. The animal will die from dehydration or internal bleeding.

icteric

A form of leptospirosis called icteric is more commonly diagnosed in immunocompromised dogs under two years of age. The acute course of the icteric phase lasts up to 7 days, mortality is about 65%.

Symptoms are similar to hemorrhagic. The main difference between the two phases is the pigmentation of the mucous membranes; in the icteric phase, the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes and the upper layer of the epithelium become yellow. This is due to the fact that the leptospira bacterium is localized in the liver. It leads to an increased content of bilirubin in the blood, which in turn gives a yellow tint.

Death occurs from intoxication of the body.

Diagnostic methods

The main carrier of leptospira is the blood, more precisely the antibodies produced by the body against the bacterium. Antibodies can be detected as early as 10 days after infection. Then leptospira can be detected in the urine. Therefore, blood and urine sampling are an exceptional condition for the correct diagnosis of leptospirosis.

Important! Blood and urine tests give a more plausible picture before the administration of antibiotics to the dog, regardless of the duration of symptoms.

Testing for leptospirosis in dogs

The microagglutination test, a blood serological test, is the most widely used diagnostic test for leptospirosis. But it must be carried out in combination with urine tests, and the procedure should be repeated after 2 – 3 days. Since in the initial stages the amount of antibodies to leptospira can be "within the normal range" (1:100 and even 1:200 is considered the norm in regions that do not have outbreaks of epidemics). Also, the results are highly dependent on laboratory quality control.

Treatment

Treat leptospirosis at home, engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment is prohibited! Treatment is prescribed only by a qualified veterinarian and only after laboratory tests. In this case, the likelihood of positive dynamics during therapy increases.

Treatment is necessary complex, aimed primarily at the destruction of the leptospira bacterium itself. It is also necessary to restore the body, remove intoxication and normalize the work of the affected internal organs.

In addition to drug treatment, the dog is prescribed a diet without fail. Food should be only of high quality, low in fat and protein. Plentiful drinking and fractional nutrition are prescribed.

List of drugs

Possible consequences

As part of combination therapy, dioxycycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, is also used. It has established itself as a drug with positive dynamics against gram-negative microorganisms (including leptospira bacteria). Apply orally 1 time per day, 10 mg per 1 kg of dog weight. The price of the drug is 30 rubles for 10 capsules.

Leptospirosis in dogs is a serious disease, the consequences of which are sometimes irreversible. After prolonged treatment, restorative therapy is often prescribed. Which is aimed at avoiding the consequences of the disease. Dogs with leptospirosis have:

• liver dysfunction;
• Chronic diseases of the kidneys and adrenal glands;
• Violations in the digestive tract;
• Damage to the visual organs;
• Violations of the cardiovascular system;
• Inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract;
• Complete or partial paralysis.

Dogs that have had Weil's disease remain carriers of the infection for several more years. But the survivors themselves develop a stable, lifelong immunity.

Prevention

To avoid infection with infectious jaundice, it is necessary to observe elementary hygiene standards. In an increased risk zone are dogs of crowded content (kennels, zoo hotels, shelters). Also pets, often in contact with cattle. Hunting dogs, and others that eat small rodents and quench their thirst in stagnant pools.

Prevention of leptospirosis includes keeping animals clean. Exclusion from the diet of small rodents and wild animals (potential carriers of bacteria). A ban on drinking from puddles and other sources of stagnant water (during a walk, have clean drinking water with you not only for yourself, but also for the dog).

Serum against leptospirosis

Dog vaccination is the main and most effective prevention against leptospirosis. Immunization against viral infections is carried out with complex serum, which includes Leptospira strains.

The most popular vaccines against leptospirosis with average clinic prices:

• vanguard, 1200 rubles;
• , multikan-8, 800 rubles;
• Nobivak, 1300 rubles;
• Biocan, 1100 rubles.

The first immunization is carried out at the age of about 8 weeks, after 21 days a revaccination is required. The next time the serum is injected at the age of one, then duplicated annually until the end of the dog's life.

A veterinarian, in regions unfavorable for leptospirosis, may prescribe immunization more often than once a year (once every 6 to 9 months, depending on outbreaks of epidemics). The same picture for hunting dogs, the veterinarian may recommend injecting serum more often than other pets.

Is the disease dangerous for humans

Almost all mammals on the planet suffer from leptospirosis, unfortunately, humans are no exception. Therefore, dog prevention measures should be taken more than seriously. After all, this is fraught not only with the death of the pet, but also with the deterioration of the health of the owner.

If clinical signs of leptospirosis are detected in a dog, the owner must carefully observe safety measures. It is best if the animal is placed in a hospital clinic. But if this is not possible, then it is very important:

1. Avoid contact of a sick dog with children and other animals;
2. During treatment, avoid contact with any kind of dog secretions with human skin and mucous membranes;
3. All types of procedures with the animal should be carried out in rubber gloves and tight clothing;
4. Conduct sanitization of the entire house, and, if possible, daily disinfection of the premises in which the sick dog is kept;
5. Minimize contact with an infected pet, do not allow licking of the face and hands;
6. After each manipulation with an infected dog, be sure to wash your hands with soap, above the elbows. Even if gloves were used.

As for dogs and humans, you can enter the serum against leptospirosis. The vaccine against infectious jaundice can be given to people from the age of seven. For persons who have constant contact with animals, immunization against leptospirosis is recommended by physicians.

Video about the disease

The bacterium Leptospira provokes a severe disease, the outcome of which can be fatal. It is impossible to neglect elementary preventive measures, it is imperative to follow the schedule of vaccinations. The health of the dog is in the hands of the owner.