b'Leptospirosis is Found inContaminated Water and SoilWere seeing more cases of Leptospirosis after the2024 hurricanes and subsequent floodingby Dr. Elizabeth BairdL eptospirosis is a bacterial infection that affects dogs their urine? In addition to the ever-present raccoon, mice andand other animals, including humans. It is caused by rats are common carriers of Leptospira, including the woodthe Leptospira bacteria, which are commonly found ratsandcitrusratsthatpopulatemostofFlorida.Theinwaterandsoilcontaminatedwiththeurineof opossum, skunk, deer, cow, and pig can also carry infectiousinfected animals. This disease can lead to serious health com- strains of Leptospira bacteria. plications and, in some cases, can be fatal even if treated. Symptoms of LeptospirosisThen and Now The symptoms of Leptospirosis can vary depending onForty years ago, this was more of a rural disease that was the severity of the infection and the organs affected.believed to be associated with farm animals. It is now not only Common symptoms include:a suburban disease but has become an urban disease. It has FeverbecomecommoninManhattan,andasevereoutbreak Lethargyoccurred in Chicago in 2022. There have been outbreaks in Vomiting and diarrheanotoriously dry areas like Arizona and Los Angeles as well. At Loss of appetitethis point, all dogs are considered at risk regardless of geo- Muscle pain or stiffnessgraphic location and environment. Due to these changes, the Increased thirst and urination (which may progress toACVIM, a leading authority in veterinary internal medicine, kidney failure)now considers this a significant risk for all dogs and recom- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), indicatingmends immunization across the board. The AAHA, a respect- liver involvemented organization in the field of animal healthcare, concurred Difficulty breathing (pulmonary hemorrhage)with their Vaccine Recommendations in 2024. Diagnosis and TreatmentCauses and Transmission Earlydetectioniscrucialforsuccessfultreatment.Leptospira bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments Your veterinarian will typically diagnose Leptospirosis basedand are commonly spread through direct or indirect contact on clinical signs, blood tests, and urine tests. This underscoreswith infected urine. Dogs can contract Leptospirosis by drink- the importance of prompt action if you notice any symptoms ofingcontaminatedwater,orencounteringinfectedwildlife illness in your dog.urine, even through open wounds or abrasions. The bacteria Treatment usually involves antibiotics, such as doxycyclinecan enter the body through mucous membranes, broken skin, orpenicillin,toeliminatethebacteria.Supportivecare,or ingestion. including intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications, and, inA typical scenario goes something like this: A raccoon or more severe cases, dialysis, may be required to manage kidneyrat urinates on the grass in a suburban yard or in a puddle at a and liver complications.park during the night. A dog then sniffs or licks at that curious Preventionodor while out for a walk the next day. Bingo! The dog has now Preventing Leptospirosis involves reducing your dogs riskbeen exposed to one of the multiple strains of Leptospira bac- of exposure to contaminated environments. Key preventiveteriathatcancauseLeptospirosisinthedog. Thebacteria measures include:quickly begin to replicate and move into various target tissues Vaccination: There is a vaccine available forsuch as the kidneys, liver, spleen, and central nervous system. Leptospirosis, which is recommended for all dogsThe infected dog typically shows signs of illness within 7 days of all ages.of exposure. The severity of the illness can vary considerably, Avoiding stagnant water: Prevent your dog fromfrom mild and vague symptoms to acute kidney failure and rel- drinking or playing in potentially contaminatedatively sudden death. water sources such as puddles, ponds, orSo, what other wildlife carries these Leptospira bacteria in slow-moving streams.58THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'