Canine Diseases: Leptospirosis

Question 1

How is Leptospirosis spread between animals? (4)

Answer 1

1. contact with infected urine​
2. Bite wounds +/- ingestion of infected tissues​
3. Contact with stagnant or slow moving water​
4. Over crowding: contact with contaminated bedding, water sources and food​

Question 2

What greatly reduces the survival of the organism?

Answer 2

freezing

Question 3

What organism causes leptospirosis?

Answer 3

bacterial

Question 4

How is leptospirosis transmitted?

Answer 4

Bacteria penetrates mucous membrane or abraded skin, multiply quickly and enter the blood stream

Question 5

Where can leptospirosis spread to once in the body? (6)

Answer 5

1. kidney
2. liver
3. spleen
4. CNS
5. eyes
6. genital tract

Question 6

What does leptospirosis do to the body?

Answer 6

As the body flights the infection, the organism clears from most organs but can persist in the kidney and liver.​

Question 7

What is this?

1. A positive diagnosis can be made through blood testing: paired titers, agglutination test. A negative test can be seen the 1st 10 days post infection.​
2. Culture urine for bacterial organism​

Answer 7

diagnosis for lepto

Question 8

What is this?

1. IV fluids
2. antibiotics
3. control vomiting
4. treat organ failure​

Answer 8

treatments for lepto

Question 9

What antibiotics can be used for lepto? (2)

Answer 9

1. penicillin

2. doxycycline (long term)

Question 10

What is this?

1. Vaccinate every 6mo in high risk areas​
2. Begin vaccination after 12 weeks of age to prevent vaccine reactions​
3. Keep animals away from high risk soggy areas​
4. Wear gloves when handling infected or suspect bodily fluids​

Answer 10

prevention for lepto