Companion animals

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can infect both humans and animals. It is caused by a bacterium (genus Leptospira) that thrives in moist and humid areas, and is spread through animal urine and animal tissue.

How is leptospirosis trasmitted?

Leptospirosis is spread through direct or indirect contact with urine from infected animals. You or your pet can catch leptospirosis if you are bitten by a carrier or if you come into contact with infected water, mud or soil. For example, if a rat urinates into a stagnant body of water and your pet drinks that water, they are at risk of infection.

The bacteria can also enter the body through cuts in the skin or occasionally via the gums, mouth, nose and eyes. So, a dog that swims or stands in infected water or mud is at risk. Dogs accessing areas where there has been recent flooding or where there is a large amount of silt are at increased risk of exposure.

There is an increased risk of outbreaks of leptospirosis in production animals after flooding which increases the risk of exposure in dogs.

Rats are the most common carrier for the infection. There is often an increase in the number of rodents in areas where there has been recent flooding, due to rotting fruit, vegetables and other food sources. This also amplifies the risk of exposure in dogs.

Cats are more likely to become infected by eating infected rodents or their carcasses. However, cats generally carry a reduced risk of clinical infection than dogs.

What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?

Clinical signs can be varied and generally are seen 5-15 days following exposure.

• loss of appetite
• lethargy/loss of energy
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• a reduction in the frequency of urination and the amount of urine produced
• breathing problems - rapid or laboured breathing
  
  

Can leptospirosis be treated?

When caught early, leptospirosis responds to antibiotic treatment and supportive care. But the disease may be severe with long term damage done to kidneys, liver and other organs so early treatment is most effective and intensive care may be necessary.

Talk to your vet if your dog is appears unwell, even if their symptoms are vague.

How do I protect my pets from leptospirosis?

You can prevent your pet from catching leptospirosis by:

An increase in the number of cases of gastroenteritis in dogs has been reported following Cyclone Gabrielle as a result of access to contaminated water and silt.

Clinical signs are often noted shortly after exposure and include:

• reduced energy levels
• reduced or absent appetite
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• collapse (in advanced cases)

Spoiled foods or rubbish may contain mould toxins which can cause signs of toxicity in dogs, including: 

• vomiting and diarrhoea
• tremors and wobbliness
• seizures

 To reduce the risk to your dog, make sure you throw away any contaminated or mouldy food (including pet food).

Cats are often significantly affected by changes in their routine and environment, and may be especially susceptible to the resulting stress and anxiety.

This may cause signs of stress-related cystitis in cats. Male cats can even develop a condition where they cannot pass urine. Not only is this painful and distressing, but it needs to be managed as an emergency since it can result in life-threatening complications.

Clinical signs to watch out for include:

• attempting to urinate more frequently
• posturing to urinate for longer periods than usual but only producing small volumes or no urine
• attempting to urinate in unusual places
• excessive licking and grooming around the back end
• vocalising more than usual
• unsettled behaviour
• seems stiff when walking
• reacts when picked up
• reduced or absent appetite
• vomiting