Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Let's Talk About Lepto


Let’s Talk About Lepto

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can infect both people and animals- including your pet.  The bacteria that causes the disease is spread by the urine of carrier animals such as raccoons, skunks, rodents, and deer.  Lepto infections peak in the fall, often after periods of heavy rainfall or flooding.  When dogs come in contact with infected urine in the environment or stagnant water, the bacteria will quickly travel through their bloodstream and cause fever, lethargy, anorexia, and joint pain.  Within a week, the bacteria can infect their internal organs and lead to acute kidney and liver failure; your pet may show clinical signs of excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and yellowing of the skin
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Treatment for Leptospirosis infections requires aggressive fluid support to maintain blood flow to the kidneys and antibiotics to kill the bacteria and eliminate it from the bloodstream.  Some patients are hospitalized for a week or more while they receive treatment.  The survival rate following infection with Leptospirosis is 70-80%, however some patients may have long-term kidney or liver damage.

Fortunately, there is a vaccine available to help protect your pet against this dangerous disease.  Capitol Illini Veterinary Services carries a 4-Way Lepto vaccine that induces immunity against the four most common strains of Leptospirosis.  While no vaccine will be 100% effective in preventing disease, the vaccine plays a major role in reducing the risk of infection and also largely reduces the severity of the disease if your dog is infected.  Other ways you can help protect your pet is by removing rodents from your pet’s environment and avoiding stagnant water.  People can also be affected by Leptospirosis so vaccination is important to also keep you safe at home.
It is important to remember that best chance for a positive outcome is related to early diagnosis and treatment- if your pet isn’t feeling well, have them in for an exam so they can be evaluated for early warning signs.  If you have questions or concerns about Leptospirosis and your pet, call and speak to one of our veterinarians about what you can do to keep your pet safe!
                                                                                                                    
                                                                                           -Dr. Colleen Helgen

5 comments:

  1. Before you find a permanent veterinary office, make sure you know everything that they offer. I have had the same vet since I got my first dog over a decade ago. I just figured out that my dog is pregnant, so I asked my vet what I need to plan for. He said that if something went wrong, to go to an animal hospital, rather than to his office. I never thought about things like that, probably because I have never had a girl dog before!

    http://westlakeanimalhospitalinc.net/services.html

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  2. I'm glad to hear that there is a treatment for Leptospirosis infections. Situations like these make me happy that we have veterinary services at our disposal. Our dog Pete is a huge part of our family and I don't know what we'd do without him. Taking him to the vet is an obvious choice for me when he's ill. http://www.tranquillevet.com/services.html

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  3. I'm really scared that my dog is going to pass away. He's been sick for a couple weeks now and I don't know what to do. He's only 5 years old in human years, but I don't think he's going to recover. What do you suggest that I do to get him help? http://myuniversitypethospital.com/la-mesa-veterinary-hospital-veterinary-services

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  4. James Duke,
    We advise you to get your dog to a veterinary hospital ASAP. If you are in the Springfield/Chatham area call us at 217-546-1541 or 217-483-6830.

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  5. This is a great article to know. It teaches how important it is to get you pets check ups. The earlier something is caught, the better. http://www.catsonlyvethosp.com/why-cats-only-veterinary-hospital/

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