Scanning electron micrograph of Leptospira spp. Notice the corkscrew appearance of the bacterium (Courtesy of Noah's Arkive, The University of Georgia).

Leptospirosis, or Lepto for short, is relatively new to Kansas but has been on the increase since 2006. Now Kansas veterinarians are recommending adding another vaccine to your pet’s yearly vaccine schedule due to a large increase in cases from the Wichita area.

Lepto is a bacteria carried in wild animals that is passed by their urine into water sources. The bacteria can be present in any surface water or moist soil. Dogs can become contaminated by drinking the water or digging in the soil. Risk is greatest during the summer and early fall and during periods of heavy rainfall.

Lepto is contagious and can be transferred from wildlife to dog, dog to dog, or dog to human. It is becoming more common in urban areas due to increasing wildlife. The disease can lead to kidney or liver failure in dogs and can be fatal. In humans it is rarely fatal and causes flu-like symptoms.

Symptoms in dogs can vary depending on age and immunities of the dog. Young animals are more severely infected than adults. The many symptoms include: fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, jaundice and increased thirst and urination.

Kidney of a dog that died of leptospirosis. Multifocal interstitial nephritis and renal tubular necrosis are associated with a spotted appearance of the renal parenchyma (Courtesy of Noah's Arkive, The University of Georgia).

Fluid therapy is first started to relieve the dehydration. Vomiting can be severe with Lept, so anti-nasausa medicines are frequently prescribed. Penicillin and Doxycycline are effective in treating the disease, but do not eliminate the dog’s carrier status. Tetracyclines and Erythromycin will eliminate carrier status of the disease but should be continued for at least 4 weeks. Survival rates are as high as 80-90% with proper treatment. Long term outcome includes complete recovery, chronic renal failure, and chronic active hepatitis.

Two vaccines exist to prevent infection. The one vaccine used for decades protects against two bacterins, L. canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagiae. Newer vaccines now protect against, L. gryppotyphosa and L. pomona., also. As always, consult with your vet concerning symptoms, treatment, and prevention.