has there been a recent outbreak of leptospirosis in the los angeles area?
Yes. On July 23, 2021, the Director of Veterinary Public Health for Los Angeles County issued an animal health alert to veterinarians in the area, informing us that over the last couple of weeks, they have noted a large increase in reported confirmed and suspected canine leptospirosis cases. Most of the affected dogs either live in or had exposures in locations on the west side of the county or the San Fernando Valley. Additionally, a number of dogs may have been exposed at a boarding facility in Santa Monica. Some dogs have been exposed at dog parks or beaches. To date, several cases have required hospitalization and extensive care. Although some of these dogs have confirmed positive on either serology or PCR testing of blood and/or urine, the causative Leptospira species or serovar(s) involved are currently not known.
Continue reading to learn more about Leptospirosis and what steps you can take to reduce risks in order to keep both you and your dog safe!
Continue reading to learn more about Leptospirosis and what steps you can take to reduce risks in order to keep both you and your dog safe!
What is leptospirosis and what causes it?
Leptospirosis (LEP-toe-sp-ROW-sis) is caused by spiral shaped bacteria called spirochetes that can cause damage to the liver, kidneys and other organs of animals and humans. The disease occurs worldwide. Cases usually occur during the summer and fall. Large outbreaks have occurred after floods.
There are several species of leptospires, but the ones that cause disease have been grouped into one particular species called Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. From here, Leptospira interrogates sensu lato has been sub-classified into smaller related groups called serovars. Over 250 serovars have been named and at least 10 are important for pets. Vaccination for dogs, however, exists against only four serovars: Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Pomona and Icterohaemorragiae. Different serovars produce different types of disease and are in different geographical areas.
There are several species of leptospires, but the ones that cause disease have been grouped into one particular species called Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. From here, Leptospira interrogates sensu lato has been sub-classified into smaller related groups called serovars. Over 250 serovars have been named and at least 10 are important for pets. Vaccination for dogs, however, exists against only four serovars: Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Pomona and Icterohaemorragiae. Different serovars produce different types of disease and are in different geographical areas.
Which animals get leptospirosis?Leptospirosis can affect many wild and domestic animals, including marine mammals. The disease can affect cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and dogs but is rare in cats.
How can my animal get leptospirosis?Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals which gets into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months. Animals become infected when they come into direct contact with this contaminated water or soil. The bacteria enter through cuts in the skin or through mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth). Animals can also become infected by drinking contaminated water. Alternatively, bite wounds, exposure to reproductive secretions, and even eating infected tissues can transmit this infection. The bacteria can also be inhaled (aerosol).
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How does leptospirosis affect my animal?The leptospires quickly spread through the bloodstream, leading first to inflaming the blood vessels themselves: fever, abnormal bleeding, abnormal bruising and tissue edema appear after an approximate 7-day incubation period. By 2 weeks post-infection, the organisms have set up shop in the kidneys where they continue to generate inflammation, pain, and potentially total kidney failure with their inability to produce urine. Some serovars also go to the liver and generate inflammation there, though the liver disease is generally not as severe as that of the kidney.
Signs of disease in dogs may include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, refusal to eat, depression, stiffness and severe muscle pain. Some infected animals may show no signs of illness. Young animals are usually more severely affected than older animals. |
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Can I get leptospirosis?
Yes. Humans can become infected with leptospirosis in ways similar to animals (direct contact, ingestion, or inhalation of contaminated water or soil). Humans can also be exposed through direct contact with the urine of infected animals. Disease may range from mild to severe. Signs include flu-like illness (fever, body aches, headache), weakness, vomiting, mental confusion, jaundice (orange/yellow skin color), and stiff neck. Severe cases can lead to damage of the liver, kidney or central nervous system (brain, spinal cord).
Who should I contact if I suspect leptospirosis?
In Animals – Contact your veterinarian.
In Humans – Contact your physician.
In Humans – Contact your physician.
is leptospirosis treatable in dogs?Fortunately, Leptospira interrogans sensu lato is sensitive to doxycycline, a readily available antibiotic. Leptospires are cleared from the blood within 24 hours of starting antibiotics but it takes about a week for them to clear from the urine, so it is important for you to wear gloves, goggles, etc. and be conscious of contamination. A two week course of doxycycline is generally needed. If this antibiotic is not tolerated, amoxicillin may also work.
Intravenous fluids are crucial to support blood flow through the damaged kidneys so that recovery is possible. Any areas at home that have been contaminated with urine should be disinfected with an iodine-based product and gloves should be worn while cleaning up any urine. Prognosis is guarded depending on the extent of organ damage; with appropriate treatment, 80-90% survival rates are reported. This sounds wonderful but it is important to keep in mind factors that can interfere with this rosy outcome. While most leptospirosis-related kidney injury responds to fluid therapy as can be given by most animal hospitals, more severe cases can require dialysis, which has limited availability. As mentioned, lung involvement has very poor survivability. Infection with the Pomona serovar is associated with more severe disease. |
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How can I protect my animal from leptospirosis?
Avoid contact with contaminated water or soil environments or infected wildlife, especially rodents. Do not allow animals to drink from or enter contaminated bodies of water. Leptospirosis vaccines are available for dogs. These vaccines help to prevent disease severity but may not completely prevent infection.
where can my dog get the leptospirosis vaccine and how does it work?
Vaccination will reduce the severity of disease but will not prevent infected dogs from becoming carriers. Vaccination against Leptospira interrogans sensu lato is only available for the serovars called Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Pomona and Icterohaemorragiae. Some vaccines cover all four serovars while others cover only two out of four. The American Animal Hospital Association vaccine guidelines consider vaccination against leptospirosis to be optional but recommends that if you are going to vaccinate for leptospirosis, use a vaccine covering all four serovars. Dr. Shane's Veterinary Medical Center carries the Elanco LEPTOVAX™4 which helps protect against all four sevovars.
In the past, leptospirosis vaccine was felt to be associated with a higher chance of immunological vaccine reactions, but vaccines made from leptospires grown in protein-free media have made vaccination reaction far less likely. A recent study involving thousands of dogs and their vaccinations showed no increase in vaccine reaction risk with leptospirosis vaccination.
If your dog has never received a leptospirosis vaccine before, the initial vaccination series is 2 doses given 2 - 4 weeks apart. After the second vaccine, your pet will need to have the vaccine boostered annually. If your dog is current on his/her annual exam, you may schedule a technician appointment for the leptospirosis vaccination. If your pet is overdue for an annual exam, you will need to schedule the appointment for the initial vaccine with a doctor.
In the past, leptospirosis vaccine was felt to be associated with a higher chance of immunological vaccine reactions, but vaccines made from leptospires grown in protein-free media have made vaccination reaction far less likely. A recent study involving thousands of dogs and their vaccinations showed no increase in vaccine reaction risk with leptospirosis vaccination.
If your dog has never received a leptospirosis vaccine before, the initial vaccination series is 2 doses given 2 - 4 weeks apart. After the second vaccine, your pet will need to have the vaccine boostered annually. If your dog is current on his/her annual exam, you may schedule a technician appointment for the leptospirosis vaccination. If your pet is overdue for an annual exam, you will need to schedule the appointment for the initial vaccine with a doctor.
How can I protect myself from leptospirosis?
Prevent and control infection in animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitors leptospirosis cases in people, it seems that one third come from contact with infected dogs and one third come from contact with rats (usually through field work). Since mice and rats can be reservoirs of the disease, rodent control is important. Recreational activities involving water and exposure to flood waters are also associated with human outbreaks. Other human risk factors include farm work, animal care work, camping, and sewer work. Remember, leptospires come from contaminated urine which, in turn, contaminates environmental water and soil. Do not handle urine, blood or tissues from infected animals. If you have contact with infected animals, wear protective clothing, especially gloves. Always wash your hands after touching animals or anything that may have been contaminated with animal urine.
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