Content continues after advertisement

Leptospirosis: Are Owners at Risk?

George E. Moore, DVM, PhD, Purdue University

Michael R. Lappin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Colorado State University

Sign in to Print/View PDF

There are multiple Leptospira species that can infect dogs, cats, or humans, and these bacteria have worldwide distribution.

In General

  • Prevalence rates vary by region and species, and multiple different wildlife reservoirs exist.
  • Organisms are commonly shed in urine; infection is often initiated after ingestion of contaminated water. 
    • Alternatively, Leptospira spp infections can occur via direct penetration of intact skin. 
  • Clinical manifestations vary and depend on the infecting strain and mammalian species infected. 
    • Acute inappetence, vomiting, and renal and hepatic inflammation are common in dogs.
    • Clinical illness is less frequently reported in cats. 
  • Humans can develop leptospirosis. In one study, it was estimated that approximately 10% of infected humans were infected from contact with pets.1

Client Communication 

  • Infection appears to be uncommon for owners of dogs with leptospirosis that are undergoing treatment with appropriate antibiotics. 
    • Still, owners should consult their physician, particularly if a family member is immunocompromised or develops fever, muscle aches, or headaches. 
  • The owner should avoid contact with the urine of the infected pet, use routine household disinfectants to clean areas of urine contamination, and wash hands after handling the infected pet.2 
  • Infected dogs should urinate in an area that is not close to bodies of water or frequented by family members until antibiotic treatment is completed. 
  • Repeat infection with Leptospira spp can occur.
    • If the source of the primary infection is known, it should be avoided.  
  • Dogs vaccinated against the 4 most common Leptospira spp serovars are likely to shed fewer organisms if exposed.3

References

For global readers, a calculator to convert laboratory values, dosages, and other measurements to SI units can be found here.

All Clinician's Brief content is reviewed for accuracy at the time of publication. Previously published content may not reflect recent developments in research and practice.

Material from Clinician's Brief may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in whole or in part without prior permission of Educational Concepts, LLC. For questions or inquiries please contact us.


This article is published as part of the Global Edition of Clinician's Brief. Through partnership with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, the Global Edition provides educational resources to practitioners around the world.

Podcasts

Clinician's Brief:
The Podcast
Listen as host Alyssa Watson, DVM, talks with the authors of your favorite Clinician’s Brief articles. Dig deeper and explore the conversations behind the content here.
Clinician's Brief provides relevant diagnostic and treatment information for small animal practitioners. It has been ranked the #1 most essential publication by small animal veterinarians for 9 years.*

*2007-2017 PERQ and Essential Media Studies

© 2023 Educational Concepts, L.L.C. dba Brief Media ™ All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions | DMCA Copyright | Privacy Policy | Acceptable Use Policy