Lepto disease in dogs

LEPTO DISEASE IN DOGS

Symptoms in dogs
Precautions with a sick dog
Symptoms in humans

SYMPTOMS IN DOGS

Some dogs never display any signs of illness. Others may suffer from a lack of energy and show signs of depression. Some may display any or all of the following symptoms:

lack of interest in eating
vomiting
abdominal pain
fever
jaundice (yellowish color in the mouth or gums)
changes in urination patterns or frequency

If not treated, some dogs become very ill and can even die. Even if the dog recovers, long-term consequences can include reduced kidney or liver function. Plus, lepto can be eliminated in large numbers in the urine of infected dogs for long periods of time, posing a risk to other dogs or humans in the household.

PRECAUTIONS WITH A SICK DOG

If your dog is sick, make an appointment immediately with your veterinarian. If your dog is diagnosed with lepto, follow your veterinarian's recommendations that commonly include the following steps:

Avoid coming into contact with your dog's urine or blood.
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet or materials that might be contaminated with your pet's urine, blood or excrement.
Keep other pets and children away from the dog's urine or blood.

If you receive a confirming diagnosis and your dog has recovered enough to return home, be sure to follow your veterinarian's instructions to protect you and your family. Most importantly, if your dog has been prescribed antibiotics be sure to finish all the medicine -- don't stop when symptoms disappear.

SYMPTOMS IN HUMANS

Anywhere from two days to four weeks after exposure to lepto, humans may experience sudden flu-like symptoms: chills, high fever, severe headache, muscle aches and vomiting. Jaundice (yellowish eyes and skin), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or a rash may develop.

After this first phase, the patient may recover before becoming ill again. In the second phase of the illness, the symptoms are more severe, and may include kidney damage, liver failure or meningitis (high fever with painful swelling of the membranes surrounding the brain). This phase also is known as Weil's Disease.

For most people, the illness lasts from a few days to three weeks or more. See your health care provider if you suspect you are ill. Without treatment, recovery may take several months. In extreme cases, or in individuals with weakened immune systems, lepto can be fatal.

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