A leading animal charity has warned that some dogs die within days of first showing symptoms after becoming infected
Dogs can catch the disease by drinking contaminated water(Image: A Tail to Tell Photography via Getty Images)
A warning has been issued to dog owners in South Wales after a case of a potentially fatal disease was identified. A vets practice in Cwmbran has told dog owners to be aware that a case of leptospirosis has been identified in the area.
It is a bacterial infection that causes very serious illness in dogs and can be fatal. It can be picked up from contaminated water and soil. The disease is also zootonic, meaning it can pass from animals to humans in rare cases and cause serious illness.
Sanders Vets in Cwmbran posted a warning after a case of leptospirosis was confirmed in the area. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter
It encouraged people to ensure their pets are up-to-date with their vaccinations to protect them from the bacterial infection.
According to the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), the disease can be spread through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals (mainly rats). Leptospirosis enters the body through the mouth, nose or wounds.
Slow moving or stagnant water such as rivers, lakes, ponds, canals and floodwater pose a particular risk. Dogs can also become infected after coming into contact with another dog’s infected urine – including sniffing/licking the ground where an infected dog has urinated.
Dogs are at a higher risk of becoming infected if they live on a farm, regularly kill rodents, or spend a lot of time swimming. However, all dogs can catch leptospirosis.
The infection damages vital organs, such as the liver and kidneys. The PDSA warns that is very serious, with some dogs dying within just two days of showing symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of leptospirosis vary a lot but can include:
Jaundice (yellow gums and eyes)VomitingDiarrhoea (which can sometimes be bloody)LethargyEating less than normalWeight lossDrinking and weeing more than normalDifficulty breathing or breathing quicker than normalCoughing
Some dogs show no or very few symptoms but can still spread the disease. You should contact your vet immediately if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Some dogs can recover if leptospirosis is treated very early, with antibiotics and a fluid drip. Anti-sickness medication and pain relief may also be required.
Dogs are routinely vaccinated against the most common strains of the leptospirosis bacteria in the UK, with regular boosters required to maintain protection. However, missed jabs can leave dogs at risk of the disease, and Sanders Vets encouraged any pet owners who are unsure to contact their vet.
The post from Sanders Vets read: “Have you heard of leptospirosis? Leptospirosis, often shortened to lepto, is a disease caused by bacteria that damage vital organs, such as the liver and kidneys. It’s very serious and often fatal in dogs.
“It is also a Zoonotic disease which means it can be passed to humans. Dogs can catch leptospirosis from:
Another infected dogSniffing/licking the ground where an infected dog has urinatedUrine from an infected cow, pig or rodentInfected wet ground or fresh water – lepto can live in wet ground and fresh water for several months
“Leptospirosis can also be spread to other dogs by infected dogs, mice, rats and cows but can also be caught from infected water. So, if your dog lives on a farm, kills rodents or spends a lot of time swimming, they’re at a much higher risk of catching it.
“There are a few different types of leptospirosis bacteria and each one is slightly different. Fortunately, we can vaccinate against the types of lepto bacteria commonly found in the UK.
“Any dogs that are fully vaccinated and up to date with their yearly booster vaccinations should be cover against this disease however, if you are unsure please don’t hesitate to contact us.”
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