Pet BACTERIABY Dr. John Otto
There is an old disease making new waves in our pet population.
This disease is called leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a
bacterium that can affect dog, man, horse, cow and many other
animals including rodents and some wild animals including skunks
and raccoons.
This bacteria enters the body through breaks in the skin and
mucous membranes. It can live in moist soil and water for extended
periods of time. It is often found in the urine of affected animals.
Male dogs are more likely to get this disease due to their habit
of sniffing the hindquarters of other dogs. Cats, on the other
hand, are rarely found with this disease.
The symptoms of this disease in our pets may include the
following: fever, sudden kidney failure and liver failure marked by
jaundice - yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Dogs can
be treated for this with antibiotics and fluid therapy.
The danger not only lies with our pets but with us as well since
we may contact this disease from affected animals. Only about 100
to 200 human cases of leptospirosis are reported annually in the
United States, but these figures could change with the new serovar
(strains) findings.
Vaccination against leptospirosis is a normal part of our
vaccine, DHL-P-P, but recently three other serovar (strains) of
leptospirosis are finding their way into the U.S. and these are
pomona, bratislava and grippotyphosa.
There is a new vaccine for L. pomona and L. grippotyphosa.
Contact your veterinarian for possible changes in your dog's
vaccine protocol.
The best way to prevent leptospirosis is through a good
vaccination program and good hygiene on our part. Most diseases
that affect our pets are highly preventable.
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