Can a dog get leptospirosis from a cat?
“Clinical leptospirosis is common in dogs but appears to be rare in cats. Both dogs and cats, however, can shed leptospires in the urine. This is problematic as it can lead to exposure of humans. The control of leptospirosis, therefore, is important not only from an animal but also from a public health perspective.”
How can I prevent my dog from getting leptospirosis?
Exposure to leptospirosis can be reduced by preventing your dog from drinking from puddles of standing water or from swimming in lakes, streams, or other bodies of water that may be contaminated. There is no denying there is a rodent problem where we live.
What can leptospirosis do to the human body?
In severe cases, the lepto bacterial infection can damage the kidneys, liver, eyes, lungs and blood vessels. In recent years, acute kidney injury has been commonly caused by leptospirosis, according to merckvetmanual.com The bacteria can also be spread to humans causing them to fall ill.
What to do if your dog has leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects animals and people. Standard treatment includes the administration of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or doxycycline, and supportive care for kidney failure, liver failure, and respiratory complications. It is very common in dogs, but rarely seen in cats. If untreated, leptospirosis is fatal.
What are the signs and symptoms of leptospirosis?
Most persons have no symptoms or a very mild illness consisting of fever, headache, chills, red eyes, and sore muscles for a few days. In a few persons, leptospirosis can persist and affect the kidneys, liver, lungs, eyes, heart, and brain.
Is it possible to get leptospirosis in California?
Leptospirosis is rare in California and most infected Californians are exposed in another state or country.
Can a leptospira dog survive outside the body?
Leptospira cannot replicate outside of the body, but can remain viable in soil for weeks to months. While thought to be a concern only for “country dogs” exposed to lakes and streams, leptospirosis is increasingly common for “city dogs,” too.
