“Being a pet owner can seem overwhelming at times.”
Being a pet owner can seem overwhelming at times. There are so many factors to keeping your furry friend happy and healthy that it can be difficult to know where to direct your attention. At Family Pet Veterinary Centers, we want to take the stress out of caring for your pet and help you stay informed about threats to their health.
One of the increasingly prevalent risks comes from a disease called Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is transmitted through animal fluids like urine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacteria most often enter the animal’s body through its skin or mucous membranes like its eyes, nose, or mouth. Drinking contaminated water is also a common cause of infection. When it goes untreated, Leptospirosis can cause kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and even death. In some cases, the disease has also been spread to humans.
Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics, and if you know the signs to look for, early detection can help prevent more severe organ damage. Unfortunately the symptoms of Leptospirosis vary widely and are often nonspecific. Symptoms include—but are not limited to—fever, vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat, and stiffness. In many instances pets are not obviously ill until the disease is more advanced resulting in severe problems and a much worse prognosis. Patients that survive may also have continued long term kidney and liver problems. If you believe your pet may be infected with Leptospirosis, contact your vet immediately.
While some vets don’t require the vaccine for Leptospirosis, we believe in fully protecting your pets. We have diagnosed and treated multiple cases in the past year. As advocates for disease prevention, Family Pet Veterinary Center’s standard vaccinations include protection against Leptospirosis.