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What is leptospirosis in dogs?

Serena Waelchi
Serena Waelchi
2025-10-23 16:55:41
Count answers : 27
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Leptospirosis is a disease caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called leptospires. It can affect people as well as many wild and domestic animals, including dogs. The bacteria thrive in moist environments and in water. Dogs become infected by coming into contact with urine of infected animals. Infected wild and domestic animals excrete the bacteria into the environment. Many different types of environments in both rural and urban areas can be contaminated such as lakes, streams, puddles, vegetation, and mud. The clinical signs of leptospirosis vary. Common clinical signs reported in dogs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, or severe muscle pain. Leptospirosis is treatable. Early treatment with antibiotics under direction of your veterinarian increases the chances of your dog's recovery.
Mariam Stark
Mariam Stark
2025-10-21 06:18:33
Count answers : 16
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Leptospirosis is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which thrive in warm, wet environments. Dogs can become infected through direct contact with contaminated water, soil, or the urine of infected animals such as rats and livestock. The bacteria can enter your dog’s body through cuts, ingestion, or even through mucous membranes like the eyes and nose. Leptospirosis can progress in several stages, depending on the severity of the infection. Canine leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection that poses a significant health risk to dogs. Leptospirosis can be difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone, as they can mimic other conditions. If not treated early, leptospirosis can lead to long-term organ damage, particularly in the liver and kidneys. Leptospirosis is highly contagious and can spread between animals and humans. Dogs with leptospirosis can shed the bacteria in their urine for weeks to months after infection, even if they appear to have recovered.

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Gordon Fadel
Gordon Fadel
2025-10-08 04:37:27
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Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can have serious consequences in dogs and can also affect humans. There are multiple strains of the bacteria called Leptospira that cause leptospirosis. Leptospirosis can be found across the United States, though some regions may be more susceptible than others. The most common way dogs get leptospirosis is through water contaminated with urine, particularly stagnant or slow-moving water like puddles, ponds or lakes. Leptospira enters the body through ingestion, broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth). The bacteria spreads throughout the body and affects organs, most notably the liver and kidneys. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means there is the possibility for it to spread from mammals to people.