Leptospirosis in dogs

Learn about how you can prevent and spot signs of leptospirosis, an infectious bacterial disease of dogs, and how it is treated by a veterinarian.

Dog owners, rescuers, and feeders are advised to be more alert given the recent surge in leptospirosis cases in Singapore. Please bring your dog to your primary veterinarian at the first signs of illness, such as lethargy and appetite loss.

What is leptospirosis?

Colloquially known as lepto, it is a bacterial disease of dogs and other mammals that primarily affects the liver or kidneys. It can be transmitted to humans and animals through cuts and abrasions of the skin, or through mucous membranes, with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

The bacteria, leptospira, thrives in water and has a helical or spiral shape with a characteristic hook on one or both ends.

While lepto is common in dogs, it is very rare in cats. Leptospirosis in cats is not associated with the clinical disease.

In dogs, leptospirosis is uncommon in area where widespread vaccination of dogs is routine, as vaccines lower the chances of infection. However, disease outbreaks are still seen from time to time because vaccines do not provide guaranteed full immunity.

What are signs of leptospirosis?

In general, symptoms can include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, appetite loss, conjunctivitis, reduced or no urine protection, as well as yellow gums and yellow mucous membranes — which line and protect the inside of the body and are found inside the eyes, mouth, lungs, etc.

Clinical signs may range from none (asymptomatic) to mile to severe with kidney, liver, and blood vascular injury.

Dog owners should look out for abnormal behaviours in their dogs such as lethargy and appetite loss. When a dog is running a fever, his ear flaps or gums may feel warmer to the touch than usual. If you notice any abnormal symptoms, do bring your dog as quickly as possible to your primary veterinarian for further assessment.

There are three main forms of the disease: hemorrhagic (bleeding), icteric or jaundice (liver), and renal (kidney).

1. Hemorrhagic (bleeding): In hemorrhagic disease, there is a high fever with lethargy and loss of appetite. Multiple small areas of bleeding occur in the mouth and on the whites of the eyes. Bloody diarrhea and vomiting may occur, and it is often fatal.

2. Icteric or jaundice (liver): This form of leptospirosis begins like the hemorrhagic form, and many clinical signs are the same. An additional clinical sign here is a yellow colour in the mouth, skin, and whites of the eyes.

3. Renal (kidney): This form causes kidney failure, and dogs will be lethargic, unwilling to eat (anorectic), nauseous, and show signs of abdominal discomfort. Other signs include diarrhea, excessive drinking (polydipsia), and frequent urination (polyuria). There may be red staining of the urine, caused by blood. Fever is variable.

Dogs that survive the acute renal form of lepto may be left with chronic kidney disease.

How do vets treat leptospirosis?

Patients with suspected or confirmed leptospirosis should receive prompt antibiotic therapy and supportive care. Supportive care is tailored to each patient depending on which organ system is affected and severity. 

Antibiotics, such as penicillin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin, are reasonably effective against the acute stages of leptospirosis if started early.

Most affected dogs require intensive care with fluids and medications at the veterinary clinic or hospital. Examples of treatment required may include: intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, feeding tube placement for nutrition, urinary catheter placement, oxygen therapy, injectable anti-nausea, pain relief, etc

An extended course of antibiotics is then prescribed in the recovery period to ensure that all the leptospira bacteria are cleared and that the dog does not become a chronic carrier.

Preventing leptospirosis in dogs

So, what can dog owners do to prevent lepto in your furkids?

1. Vaccination

Make sure to keep your dog up to date with his or her vaccinations, as this will significantly reduce their chances of infection. It also helps to prevent the excretion of bacteria in the dog’s urine, if he or she is infected.

The Vanguard Plus 5 L4 CV, also known as the 10-in-1 vaccine for dogs, can provide protection against leptospirosis and is available at many vet clinics in Singapore, including Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery, as it is part of the routine vaccination programme for dogs in Singapore. 

Re-vaccinating annually is often needed to maintain the best immunity. All vaccines brought in to Singapore and regulated by AVS cover the main pathogenic strains of leptospirosis.

2. Avoid rats, puddles, wet soil

When walking your dog, you should also reduce exposure to water, grass, or soil that may be contaminated. Where possible, avoid areas such as back-alley ways that are home to small mammals like bats, rats, and other rodents — which are all potential carriers of the leptospira bacteria.

CNA has reported that a growing urban rat population was one of the key reasons for a rise in cases of the deadly disease among dogs in Singapore. The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao have also highlighted the spike in cases of late, with AVS investigating the cases.

3. Other precautions you can take

As leptospirosis can also be transmitted to humans, if you own a dog that may have the disease, you should avoid contact between your bare skin and the dog’s urine. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning up any areas that your dog may have soiled.

Any areas where the dog has urinated should be disinfected. The leptospira bacteria is readily killed by household disinfectants or a dilute bleach solution.

If you feel ill, please contact your doctor for further advice.

Let us all be vigilant and take the necessary precautions, to reduce the burden of this bacterial disease on our furkids. Please contact your primary veterinarian if you suspect that your dog may have leptospirosis. Informing the vet beforehand will allow them to make the necessary arrangements before your dog arrives at the clinic or hospital.

If you have questions or would like to book an appointment at Paws N’ Claws Vet, WhatsApp us at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson clinic) or 8809 0787 (Yishun clinic).

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