Leptospirosis in dogs.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira sp and can affect animals and humans. These bacteria have so many types that it is difficult to get immunity through vaccination. To avoid transmission of these diseases can be vaccinated, but it is only effective for some types (strains) only.
 

deployment

Leptospirosis is transmitted between animals occurs through contact with the urine of infected animals, through sexual contact at the time of transmission of venereal and mother to the fetus (placental) and or bite wounds. Increased infections occur most often in the kennel. Transmission occurs indirectly due to contamination of water sources, where food, drinks and even a cage. Habitat Spira is the stagnant water and slow flowing water. Usually the disease will increase in the flood season. In dry areas, the infection occurs in the area of ​​water resources. Rats are one of the animals commonly referred to as carrier animals can spread the bacteria.

Spira life expectancy will be reduced when frozen. This explains why the infection is more common in tropical areas and can occur at any time.

infection

Spira penetration and multiply on the skin and mucous membranes or will enter into the bloodstream. Next will infect the kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, eyes and digestive tract. These bacteria are more durable in the kidneys and can last for several weeks or up to a month in the urine. After 7-8 days post infection, the animals will be able to survive, damage to the liver and kidneys are not too visible.

symptom

In the acute event the animal will experience fever, chills, and muscle becomes weak. Vomiting and dehydration. Some cases the dog will have a low body temperature (hypothermia) and death can occur before damage to the liver and kidneys look.

In subacute infections, the visible symptoms include, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, dehydration, and increased thirst. The dog will be quiet / lazy because of pain in muscles and kidneys. Disorders of the liver will cause yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes (jaundice). Disorders of the liver and kidneys will look after infection runs for 2-3 weeks. In dogs who experience chronic infections or asymptomatic (subclinical) did not show significant symptoms. The bacteria will be in the urine for months and even up to several years.

therapy

Antibiotics such as penicillin and its derivatives, IV fluids to treat dehydration, and control the vomiting is a realization of the liver and kidney disorders. Intensive care is needed when the animals showed symptoms of the disease and possible treatment should be given afterward to prevent the animal into an animal carrier.

Prevention and vaccination

Because humans can be infected then keep these animals, the food, the drinks, the cage and the things that could potentially be contaminated by the bacteria Leptospira.

Vaccination is one way to protect animals from Leptospira infection. Currently there is not a vaccine that can protect the animals from all strains of Leptospira. In cats Leptospira vaccine is not available due to an infection in cats is very rare.

Leptospira vaccine can protect the dog for 6-8 months. Dogs with high rates of infection may be vaccinated twice a year. Vaccination of dogs under eight weeks should not use vaccines containing Leptospira. Usually the vet gave the first vaccination in dogs aged 12-16 weeks. In because Leptospira infection that can be fatal so it is suggested for those of you who have dogs to consult with your veterinarian.