Leptospirosis is a contagious disease caused by bacteria. It is a zoonotic disease ,which can affect humans as well as animals. Here's everything you would wish to know, regarding how it is spread, who can get it, what it does to your dog's physique and how to deal with it.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an ailment caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called leptospires, which may be found in water, or soil. Many strains can cause this disease. The most commonly seen serotypes in canine leptospirosis are canicola, icterohaemorrhagiae, pomona, bratislava, and grippotyphosaIt . It can be a serious life-threatening ailment and has a high morbidity and mortality rate. It can also become a risk to human contacts.
Causes
It is widespread in tropical, subtropical and wet environments, particularly in marshy or muddy regions. The incidence rate is elevated during the rainy season. Dogs encounter this ailment through direct contact with the urine of an infected animal. Open scars or cuts on the skin, when coming in contact with infected urine, contaminated soil or water intensify the chance of infection. Other situations causing threat include intake of contaminated water, and contact (by biting, etc. )with other infected stray dogs or rodents. It can be carried down for generations from mother to her puppies through the placenta or by breeding. Hunting dogs, dogs that live near plantations are also at high threat. Male dogs were at a significantly higher risk of leptospirosis than female dogs. Generally, younger animals are more particularly affected than aged ones.
Pathogenesis
After entering the body, leptospires quickly descend upon the bloodstream and circulate to multiple sites, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, eyes, central nervous system, and urogenital tract. The magnitude of damage to internal organs is varying and may depend on the virulence of the organism and host immunity. The infective organism multiplies and persists in renal cells and leads to Renal failure.
Signs and Symptoms
- Abrupt fever
- Tender muscles
- Hesitation to change positions
- Stiffness in muscles and legs
- Quivering
- Sadness
- Lethargy
- Lack of hunger
- Weight Loss
- Increased thirst and urination
- Inability to urinate(in case of kidney failure )
- Liver failure
- Bleeding disorders eg: bleeding from the nose
- Hematuria
- Hematemesis
- Diarrhea, with or without blood
- Dark, bleeding gums
- Yellow skin
- Pallor eyes
- Rhinitis and cough
- Trouble in breathing, rapid breathing
- Abnormal pulse
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Swollen legs
- Fluid accumulation in chest, abdomen etc
- Hypovolemia, hypotension in severe cases
The clinical features of leptospirosis in dogs differ. Some infected dogs do not demonstrate any hints of infection, some have a mild sickness and heal spontaneously, whereas others manifest serious illness and even acquire death.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis must be based not only on clinical manifestations but also on detailed history taking, examinations and investigations. It is because symptoms of leptospirosis are not too specific for the disease and are often seen as symptoms of other ailments also.
Investigations
Blood tests ,urine analysis and serologic tests
- Common hematologic abnormalities in dogs with leptospirosis comprise leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia.
- Increased serum urea and creatinine are seen in dogs with renal failure. Electrolyte abnormalities like hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, are also manifested.
- Urine analysis may reveal glucosuria, proteinuria, and bilirubinuria.
- The microscopic agglutination test (MAT): detects serum antibodies to leptospiral antigens.
- ELISAs have been used to detect IgM or IgG antibodies to leptospires.Polymerase Chain Reaction: helps in identifying the infective serotype, and is very sensitive and specific. Clinical samples that can be tested include blood, urine, aqueous humor, semen, and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Abdominal Ultrasound and thoracic radiography findings also help in confirming the diagnosis.
Prevention
Annual vaccination is advised for high-risk dogs. It is noteworthy to realize that even if your dog is vaccinated, there is no complete assurance that it will not be affected with leptospirosis. Reducing your dog's susceptibility to possible sources of Leptospira bacteria can curtail its chances of infection.
Treatment
Leptospirosis is a very deadly disease if not treated properly. But with appropriate medical care, at earlier stages itself, the prognosis for most patients is favorable. It is generally treated with antibiotics and supportive care like fluid therapy, blood transfusion etc.
Why not try Ayurveda, the science of life for the well being of your pets. Ayurvedic veterinary medicines have been in practice for a long time. They are the results of years of wisdom and scientific trials and have fabulous results. Leptospirosis can be considered as " Krimija roga" with a wide range of symptoms.
Planet Ayurveda for your assistance
Planet Ayurveda is an Ayurvedic wellness group with its services extending throughout the globe. Planet Ayurveda works with the motto of taking Ayurveda to every home worldwide. Our herbal supplements are authentic and scientifically proven. We aim at the well being of our patients as well as their dear pets, with our purely natural medications. Our products are 100%safe as well as effective. They are free from preservatives and side effects. Planet Ayurveda manufactures evidence-based medicines from the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and are approved by experienced Ayurvedic physicians.
1. MUTRAKRICHANTAK CHURNA
An excellent polyherbal preparation in the form of powder. As the name states, it manges urinary issues seen in Canine Leptospirosis. It supports a healthy urinary system and maintains the health of the kidneys. It contains a myriad of drugs that help maintain kidney health like Varun (Crateva nurvala),Bhumi Amla (), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris)etc. All these herbs are mentioned in Ayurvedic classics to cure problems related to renal metabolism.
Dosage: Half teaspoon twice daily is recommended.2. MAHASHANKH VATI
A miraculous herbomineral preparation in form of tablet,with the goodness of Shunthi (Zingiber officinale),Shankha Bhasma(ash of conch shell), Shuddha Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox)etc and various kinds of salts. It has got extraordinary results in managing the lack of appetite seen in Canine Leptospirosis and enhances the general health of your dear ones. It also reduces inflammation and pain and improves absorption of nutrients.
Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily 10 minutes before food will give best results.3. PUNARNAVA MANDUR
It is a magical polyherbal combination of Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Trikatu(Zingiber officinale,Piper longum,Piper nigrum ), Mandur bhasma (Ferric oxide calx) etc available in tablet form .It helps to preserve the water balance in the body, relieves from fluid accumulation and swelling in legs. Moreover, it contributes excellently to kidney health and liver health which makes it a must-use product in Canine Leptospirosis.
Dosage : Recommended to provide 1 tablet twice daily.4. SANJIVANI VATI
This excellent polyherbal tablet formulation is enriched with multiple herbs that strengthen the health of your loved ones like Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Ginger root(Zingiber Officinale), etc. It is suggested for eradicating Ama dosha(accumulated metabolic toxins) in the body and destroying deadly disease-causing pathogens. These actions aid in alleviating infection. It has potent antipyretic, antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties. This will also help with Diarrhea and digestive anomalies thereby rendering root cause treatment in Canine Leptospirosis.
Dosage :1 tablet twice daily will yield wonderous results.Every product of Planet Ayurveda is evaluated for its quality before delivering it to the patients be it humans or animals. Why search elsewhere when you have got the top-notch solution for the problem. We guarantee your pet's health and bring them back to normalcy.
