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Leptospirosis

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Leptospirosis

This past fall(2017) Nova Scotians heard a lot about leptospirosis.  As of early January, it is estimated that there may have been as many as 200 cases, largely in the HRM area.  Unlike the USA, it is not a reportable disease in Canada, so it has been hard to accurately track.  We do know that about 80% of tests done at a Canadian lab did come from our area.  Initial cases were largely from the peninsula area of Halifax, and then expanded to the Fairview/Spryfield areas.  As the fall progressed, a few more cases came from outside areas.

Facts:

  • Leptospirosis is an infection of bacterial spirochetes.
  • It is transmittable from animal to animal and/or animal to human (ZOONOTIC).
  • Most animals transmit the spirochetes through contaminated water sources. It enters the body through mucous membranes, eyes, nose, mouth and/or broken skin.
  • Because spirochetes are spiral or corkscrew-shaped the bacteria will infiltrate the body by burrowing into the skin.
  • It spreads through the entire body, reproducing in the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, eyes and reproductive system.
  • Soon after initial infection, fever and bacterial infection of the blood develop. These symptoms can resolve through the reactive increase of antibodies which can clear the spirochetes from most of the system.
  • The extent to which the bacteria affects the organs depends on the animal’s immune system and its ability to eradicate the infection fully. Even then, Leptospira spirochetes can remain in the kidneys, reproducing there and infecting the urine.
  • Infection of the kidneys or liver can be fatal if the infection progresses, causing severe damage to these organs.
  • Younger animals or older animals with compromised immune systems are at highest risk for severe complications.
  • Children or immunocompromised people are at the most risk of acquiring the bacteria from an infected pet.
  • It is currently unknown how long the bacteria can live in the environment for. It is said that if the area is dry that it tends to die, but as long as the environment is moist or humid it can live for long periods of time. The bacteria can remain dormant for some time before it activates in the preferred environment.
  • It is more prevalent in marshy/muddy areas which have stagnant surface water and are frequented by wildlife.
  • It is more prevalent here during the months of July to December because of the moist/humid environment.
  • Infection rates for domestic pets has been increasing in US and Canada over the last few years.
  • Dogs will typically come in contact with the bacteria in infected water, soil, mud, while swimming, passing through or drinking contaminated water, or from coming in contact with urine from an infected animal.

Animals that are at an increased risk for Leptospirosis are as follows:

  • Hunting/sporting animals
  • Animals that live near wooded areas
  • Animals that live on or near farms
  • Animals that are in high traffic areas frequently such as: kennels, dog parks, off leash walks, agility, obedience classes, etc.…
  • Recent studies also indicate that dogs in urban areas, even if only in their own backyards, are at risk due to raccoons, rats and contaminated water reservoirs.

Symptoms:

  • Sudden fever and illness
  • Sore muscles, reluctance to move
  • Stiffness in muscles, legs, stiff gait
  • Shivering
  • Weakness
  • Depression
  • Lack of appetite
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Rapid dehydration
  • Vomiting, possibly with blood
  • Diarrhea, with or without blood in stool
  • Bloody vaginal discharge
  • Dark red speckled gums (petechiae)
  • Yellow skin and/or whites of eyes
  • Spontaneous cough
  • Difficulty breathing, fast breathing, irregular pulse
  • Runny nose
  • Swelling of mucous membranes
  • Mild swelling of lymph nodes

Spring 2018 Forecast

Although we don’t know what spring will bring (except hopefully warmer weather!), it is best to air on the side of prevention and have a discussion with your veterinarian.  If your dog is being vaccinated for the first time, there are two vaccines three weeks apart, and then an annual revaccination will be recommended.  Annual vaccines are recommended at 12 months from the date of the second initial vaccine.  Vaccines to date are available that cover four strains of the bacteria which is a good preventative measure.