By Dr. Wayne Crance, DVM
It’s important that we bring attention to a recently re-emerging disease. Leptospirosis is caused by an infection with Leptospira bacteria, which have been around for many years, but the disease was uncommon. The incidence of infections has recently been on the rise across the area. The signs of leptospirosis in dogs can include no signs of illness, mild and transient illness with spontaneous recovery, while other dogs may develop severe illness and even die. And do you know that when dogs died, there are rules on burying dogs? You may want to visit a site like https://householdpets.co.uk/can-i-bury-my-dog-in-my-garden/ for more info! It’s also important to know how to prevent your dog from contracting this dangerous disease. You can have a peek at these guys to learn more about it from an expert’s point of view.
Leptospirosis bacteria are carried in the urine of most mammals, but especially rats, raccoons, possums, dogs and even humans. Dogs can become infected and develop leptospirosis if their mucous membranes (or skin with any wound, such as a cut or scrape) come into contact with infected urine, urine-contaminated soil, water, food or bedding, even in your own backyard. This can happen by drinking infected water or by stepping in infected water, then grooming their paws and ingesting the organism. And for the best pet care tips and ideas, you may visit a good place similar to Poochband.com.
Signs of leptospirosis may include fever, shivering, muscle tenderness, reluctance to move, increased thirst, changes in the frequency or amount of urination, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes), or painful inflammation within the eyes. The disease can cause kidney failure with or without liver failure. Leptospirosis may be suspected based on the exposure history and signs shown by the dog, but many of these signs can also be seen with other diseases. And this is why it is important that you visit vet emergency care services immediately. In addition to a physical examination, your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, urine tests, x-rays and an ultrasound examination. Are you wondering why your cat wag its tail? When a cat wags its tail, it is usually not because of any good reasons. If you spot a raccoon in your backyard, have a raccoon control company safely remove it from your property.
Fortunately, there are much more effective vaccines than in previous years. Currently available vaccines effectively prevent leptospirosis and protect dogs for at least 12 months, and annual vaccination is recommended for at-risk dogs. Feel free to contact our office to discuss this and other preventative measures including tailoring any vaccines needs to your pet’s specific risk factors. You can check out Canine By Design Trainings for professional dog training services.
Riverside Animal Hospital • (954) 575-7915 • www.riversidevethospital.com
