Leptospirosis is a contagious disease that affects animals as well as humans. Caused by a group of organisms called lepterospira interrogans (within such species there are different strains), the disease can lead to chronic liver and kidney disease and even death in dogs. Eight of the different strains give off different types and levels of disease which depends upon the animal that they infect. The disease causes more problems in dogs. Not until recently, the vaccines that were available are only for two types of bacteria namely, Leptospirosis canicola and L. icterhaemorrhagiae, has virtually wiped out the clinical ailment associated with these strains between the immunized dog population. Vaccines for two other additional types of bacteria, L. grippotyphosa and L. Pomona are now readily available.

The leptospira organism Leptospires grow well in water, appearing in a spiral shaped long body with hooks on both ends. They are called “aquatic spirochetes”. They are of two species, Leptospira biflexa and Leptospira interogans which cause disease in animals and humans. Leptospira interogans is divided into strains based upon antigen (stimulates the production of antibodies) types, providing very little cross immunity opposed to one serovar and the host, which is the dog that has developed resistance to one strain either by vaccination or through former infection, will not be capable in repelling an infection brought about by a different strain.

Sources of infection Bacteria carriers are generally rats and other rodents, though an infected dog can also be a source of infection. The most significant means of transmitting the disease is through urine ingestion and other forms of bacteria will penetrate very thin skin.

Leptospirosis transmission The disease is transmitted when the animal comes in contact with the urine of other infected animals, through bite wounds and absorption of an infected tissue. 

Indirect transmission happens when dogs wade in or drink contaminated water or food. Since stagnant water provides a very appropriate environment for the leptospira, dogs that wade in it get infected. Infections are common in the fall and in summer because the survival of the organism is highly reduced by freezing.

During the first four to twelve days following the infection, the dog will have fever and experience shivering, vomiting, appetite loss, depression, conjunctivitis and pain.

In severe cases, the infected dog may develop hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) eventually become depressed and die even before a kidney or liver breakdown. A microscopic agglutination test is performed on a blood sample of a suspected animal from a laboratory. This can test for individual strains and the animal’s level of antibody (titer) to combat these strains.

Depending on the titer’s level, a positive diagnosis to the precise and specific strain can then be made. It will be helpful if many samples are drawn and tested as titers may have negative results in the first ten days after the infection, and former immunization shots may give an elevated titer and should be taken into consideration during the interpretation of the titers.

In dogs that are severely infected, they are expected to shed the leptospira organism in their urine, thus when a urine sample is taken and cultured, it can give a positive diagnosis. This is not the best way however, because the individual getting the sample may be at risk.

Treatment Treatment usually will consist of antibiotics, fluid replacement for rehydration through intravenous as well as controlling the dog’s vomiting through antiemetics and other problems related to liver or kidney infections. Note that dehydration must be correct within six to twelve hours.

Penicillin or one of its byproduct is the antibiotic that is given to treat early infection, after which, doxycycline is used for cure and prevention of possible continuing carrier state.

Socializing your new puppy is one of the most important
considerations for the new dog owner. Socialization lays the
foundation for a happy and successful relationship with your
pet, and is especially critical for the future protection dog.
In this first part of a four part series, we will discuss some
of the environmental situations your future guard dog or
protection dog may encounter, and the ways to ensure that your
dog is properly acclimated to them.

Countless studies have told us that the most important period
for socialization begins at 8 weeks and continues to about 6
months. It is during this time period that the dog’s experiences
will most impact their future behavior. Proper socialization
starts with people. Expose your dog to as many people as you
can. Take your puppy with you to the park, to your friends and
relatives, and anywhere else they will be allowed. You should
also allow your dog to interact with groups of people, and to a
limited extent other dogs and animals. Constant companionship
with other animals can impede your dog’s socialization to people.

Exposing your new dog to as many people and groups of people as
you can is the best first step in proper socialization. But, by
taking them to meet new people, you have also completed two
other important steps. Firstly, exposing your dog to as many
different environments as you can, and secondly acclimating your
new dog to ride in a car. By placing your dog in new and
unfamiliar surroundings, your dog learns to be accepting of new
environmental conditions without fear or nervousness. Should
your dog show any problems in acclimating to a new location, be
patient and soothe your dog. Let the dog explore and let him or
her learn on their own that there is nothing to be afraid of. By
neglecting this aspect of socialization you open the door to
future problems that affect your dog’s working ability. Your dog
may show nervousness or fear in unfamiliar environments and may
not offer the protection that you need.

Exposing your new dog to riding in a car is also very important.
Traveling with your dog can enrich family trips, as well as
offer protection should the need arise. Certainly, you will be
taking your new puppy to the vet’s office, but you definitely
should not stop there. Your new dog should take a ride with you
anytime it is possible. My experience has been that most dogs
love to ride in a car, but sometimes it takes time for them to
adjust. Be patient and calm with your dog. They will begin to
lose any fear of the ride, unless of course you drive like my
wife.