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Leptospirosis - Cats and Dogs (view source)
Revision as of 11:06, 2 September 2010
, 11:06, 2 September 2010no edit summary
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==Description==
Leptospirosis is an important zoonosis, affecing humans as well as animals. The disease 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 with the animal acting as a reservoir for infection. Infection with non host adapted strains results in clinical disease.
Transmission is via urine of affected animals; the organism gains entry at mucous membranes, broken skin, bite wounds and through ingestion of infected material . The organism can remain viable for weeks in damp conditions
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.
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.
***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]]
**cause anaemia via intravascular haemolysis
**cause anaemia via intravascular haemolysis
==Signalment==
==Signalment==
Leptospirosis can affect dogs of any age, breed or sex. Young male, adult working dogs are at greatest risk.
Leptospirosis can affect dogs of any age, breed or sex. Young male, adult working dogs are at greatest risk.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==