Leptospirosis is an infectious natural focal disease of animals, it is also called infectious jaundice. Most often, the disease affects dogs that become infected directly from carriers (rodents, foxes, birds, stray cats) or get pathogenic leptospira from the excrement of these animals.
How is leptospirosis in dogs
In dogs, leptospirosis can be chronic, subacute, acute and hyperacute, the incubation period lasts 3-20 days. The hyperacute course of the disease is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature and manifestations of weakness, in some cases, unusual activity is observed, turning into a riot. The elevated temperature lasts the first hours of the illness, then drops sharply to normal and below. Breathing in dogs in this case is shallow and frequent. Bloody urine and yellowness of the mucous membranes are observed. The disease in the hyperacute course lasts 2-48 hours, the mortality rate is 95-100%.
The acute course of the disease is accompanied by fever, lethargy and refusal to eat. After 2-10 days, yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes occurs. Difficulty urinating, and the urine itself has a cherry-brown color. Bloody diarrhea is observed, which can then be replaced by constipation. The blood coagulates quickly. The coat becomes dull and disheveled, and a large amount of dandruff appears. After a few days of the course of the disease, necrotic spots become noticeable. In pregnant animals, abortions occur, milk flow decreases or stops altogether. If the dog is not treated early, death is almost inevitable.
The subacute course of the disease passes in the same way as the acute one, but the symptoms are weaker and slower. Sweating, trembling, and lameness are also noted. Sometimes in the acute and subacute course of the disease, white or greenish pus accumulates in the corners of the eyes. The atypical form disappears even more imperceptibly, all symptoms disappear after a few days.
Chronic manifestation of leptospirosis is quite rare and is accompanied by anemia and exhaustion of the dog. From time to time, there is an increase in temperature with a simultaneous change in the color of urine to brown. The dog avoids light and tries to hide in a dark place. In animals, molt is delayed or, on the contrary, some parts of the body become bald, necrotic spots appear.
Causes and treatment of leptospirosis in dogs
In the city, other sick animals or carriers, the disease of which is asymptomatic, can become the cause of infection with leptospirosis. The dog becomes infected through bites and scratches, as well as through items (bowls, bedding, toys, etc.) that have been used by infected animals. Puppies can get sick in utero from a sick mother or from contaminated milk.
You cannot treat dogs with leptospirosis on your own, you must definitely contact your veterinarian. In the acute form of the disease, the animal is prescribed hyperimmune serum and antibiotics, droppers are placed, and even the blood is purified. In addition, vitamins are prescribed to strengthen the body and restore strength. Depending on the condition of the dog and the course of the disease, diet therapy is prescribed.
