The severity of symptoms varies and depends on the dog (age, immune response, vaccination status), the strain of Leptospira, and other factors. Leptospira bacteria survive especially well in warm, humid areas, and are often found in stagnant water like ponds. Leptospirosis is a rare bacterial infection we get from animals. Starting treatment for leptospirosis We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Children have a high risk of getting leptospirosis from an infected pet. The treatment for leptospirosis focuses on antimicrobial drugs to eliminate the bacteria and supportive care to help your dog fight the infection. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Most cases of leptospirosis require aggressive intravenous fluid treatment, antibiotics and medications to reduce vomiting and treat other effects of kidney and liver failure. Depending on the severity of disease, treatment is not always successful when organ failure is present. Leptospirosis (often referred to as Lepto) is an infectious disease that can affect both humans and animals, including our canine companions. If Lepto is prevalent in your area, you will want to have these remedies on hand or be able to access the remedies or a homeopath quickly. With severe leptospirosis, even the most aggressive treatment may not be enough overcome serious organ damage. If you have a backyard, you may want to create a gated off area in the yard where he could eliminate; this area should not be accessible to your other pets. Major Leptospirosis treatment options for dogs To tend to any dehydration with an intravenous fluid solution, to look into any other symptom of shock and to make sure an appropriate electrolyte balanced is restored in your leptospirosis infected dog, they may need to get hospitalized for a small period of time when diagnosed. Follow the instructions on the bleach container to disinfect properly. Dogs recently exposed to leptospirosis may be treated prophylactically with oral dox⦠Because of the vomiting, the lining of your dog’s stomach may be irritated. Most infections happen in the summer and early fall, and outbreaks sometimes follow rainfall or flooding. Renal failure and liver disease are treated with fluid therapy and other supportive measures to maintain normal fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Leptospirosis can affect many animals, from wild to domesticated. Your vet may also suggest a PCR or Lepto SNAP test. Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria. Vaccines against Leptospirosis are available and recommended in areas where Leptospirosis is common. The vaccines are only produced for a few specific varieties of Leptospira and don't offer long-lasting immunity, so need to be repeated annually. The second phase clears the low-grade lingering infection found in carrier dogs. In this article, weâll go over what Lepto is, how dogs contract it, warning signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips! If untreated, leptospirosis is fatal. Rodent control measures reduce the chances of infection, and in areas where Leptospirosis is common, preventing dogs from swimming in ponds and slow-moving water can also help. On average, it costs about $2,000 to diagnose and treat a case of leptospirosis in dogs. This article has been viewed 7,040 times. There are three main forms of the disease. The leptospirosis organism is susceptible to antibiotics from the penicillin family. Other treatment methods, such as dialysis and hydration therapy may be required. Canine leptospirosis is not restricted to large-breed dogs, male dogs, or dogs with a predominantly outdoor lifestyle. Both rural and urban dog's can be at risk due to urban wildlife such as rodents that can carry the bacteria. Leptospirosis Treatment for Dogs. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Conventional treatment with antibiotics (typically Doxycycline) usually takes quick effect but arenât always necessary if working with a homeopathic vet; homeopathy is very successful in treating lepto. Wash your hands thoroughly after throwing away the gloves. [2] This article has been viewed 7,040 times. Call your veterinarian if your dog exhibits any of these signs; leptospirosis can be deadly -- especially if it's not caught early. Avoid contact with urine if possible, and wear protective clothing (gloves, etc.) The recommended treatment is doxycycline, 5 mg/kg PO q12h for 14 days. if you need to handle urine. ), bite wounds, and ingestion of tissues from infected animals. Once kidney or liver failure is present, the prognosis for recovery is worse. 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