Changes

Leptospirosis can be caused by infection with a number of different serovars of the bacteria Leptospira interrogans. In general infection with a host adapted strain results in subclinical infection, intermittent shedding of the organism and the animal acts as a reservoir for infection. Infection with non host adapted strains results in clinical disease.  

Leptospirosis can be caused by infection with a number of different serovars of the bacteria Leptospira interrogans. In general infection with a host adapted strain results in subclinical infection, intermittent shedding of the organism and the animal acts as a reservoir for infection. Infection with non host adapted strains results in clinical disease.  

    

    

Vaccination against serovars ''canicola'' and ''icterohaemorrhagica'' has greatly reduced the prevalence and incidence of disease in the UK

Vaccination against serovars ''canicola'' and ''icterohaemorrhagica'' has greatly reduced the prevalence and incidence of disease in the UK but in some areas the disease is re-emerging as owners decide not to vaccinate due to the reduced risk. Serovars ''pomona'' and ''grippotyphosa'' are becoming important.

 

 

***The host-adapted serovar ''canicolar'' causes acute renal failure in puppies; a chronic uraemic syndrome may follow

***The host-adapted serovar ''canicolar'' causes acute renal failure in puppies; a chronic uraemic syndrome may follow

***Incidental infections with serovar ''icterohaemorrhagica'' or ''copenhagenii'' cause renal failure

***Incidental infections with serovar ''icterohaemorrhagica'' or ''copenhagenii'' cause renal failure

***''L. icterohaemorrhagiae'' may cause [[Pigmentation and Calcification - Pathology#Hepatic (Toxic) Icterus|hepatic jaundice]]

***''L. icterohaemorrhagiae'' may cause [[Pigmentation and Calcification - Pathology#Hepatic (Toxic) Icterus|hepatic jaundice]]

***Serovar ''bratislava'' causes abortion and infertility in dogs, which may be the maintenance host

***Serovar ''bratislava'' causes abortion and infertility in dogs, which may be the maintenance host

*''Leptospirosis icterohaemorrhagica'' - a septicaemic disease which affects the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]]  

*''Leptospirosis icterohaemorrhagica'' - a septicaemic disease which affects the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]]  

*puppies

*puppies

===Laboratory Tests===

===Laboratory Tests===

*dark field microscopy on fresh urine is best

Dark field microscopy on fresh urine is best

 

===Pathology===

===Pathology===

Grossly-

Grossly-