What is leptospirosis in dogs? 

Leptospirosis is a serious life-threatening blood infection caused by spiral-shaped bacteria referred to as spirochetes. This infectious bacteria has many species, although fewer than ten species or serovars threaten animal health. The bacteria live in slow-moving or standing water such as a puddle after a rainstorm but can survive for months in the soil after the water has cleared. Dogs serve as the primary host for this bacteria although many other mammalian species, including humans, can be infected. Dogs of any age, breed, or sex are at risk of becoming infected. Wildlife such as raccoons or rats often spread this bacteria through their bodily fluids, especially their urine. Dogs commonly become infected from:

• Drinking contaminated water
• Swimming or stepping in contaminated water with cut paws or irritated skin
• Bite wounds
• Eating infected tissue

Leptospirosis signs in dogs

Leptospirosis spreads quickly through the bloodstream of infected dogs but can take up to a week before any disease signs are present. The bacteria initially inflames the blood vessels as they travel through the body but can affect any organ system. Some form of kidney damage occurs in more than 87% of infected dogs. Clinical signs can vary from mild to severe and include:

• Fever
• Muscle stiffness and pain 
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Yellowing skin (i.e., jaundice)
• Tissue edema
• Abdominal pain
• Cloudy eyes
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Increased, decreased, or absent urination
• Dehydration

Dogs whose lungs become infected with these spirochetes are at risk of developing leptospiral pulmonary hemorrhagic syndrome which is a fatal condition in more than 70% of cases. Some animals who become infected with leptospirosis will also have irreversible immune problems and chronic kidney or liver disease regardless of treatment. 

Leptospirosis diagnosis and treatment in dogs 

Bring your dog for immediate veterinary care if they show leptospirosis signs after exposure to wildlife or standing water. Your family veterinarian will discuss your dog’s history and perform a thorough physical examination, and may recommend several blood and urine tests including:

• Complete blood count (CBC)  — This test will help evaluate whether your dog has an infection or any internal bleeding.
• Serum chemistry —This test is important to evaluate the health of the kidneys, liver, and other organs. 
• Electrolytes —Many dogs with this infection become dehydrated and have imbalanced electrolyte levels.  
• Serologic tests — These blood or urine tests will aid in determining if signs are consistent with leptospirosis. 

Your dog will likely need to stay in a veterinary hospital for several days depending on the severity of illness related to leptospirosis. Fortunately, this infection is extremely responsive to antibiotic therapy, but your dog will need additional care to treat the bacteria-associated illnesses. Leptospirosis treatment may include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy
• Pain medication
• Anti-nausea medication
• Gastrointestinal protectants
• Liver support medication

Dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis will need antibiotics for at least two weeks and will likely need follow-up appointments to monitor for any long-term organ damage. You must always wear gloves when handling your infected dog until your family veterinarian confirms the infection has been cleared from their system.

Financial planning for dogs undergoing treatment for leptospirosis

Treatment and post-recovery monitoring of dogs infected with leptospirosis can be expensive. Pet insurance plans like Trupanion Express have policies available to alleviate the financial stress of an unexpected illness and hospitalization. However, you must research and choose a plan before your dog needs urgent care and treatment. Many financial institutions also offer pet health savings accounts which also are a great way to plan ahead for unexpected and costly veterinary treatment. Alternate payment methods such as Care Credit, Scratch Pay, and short-term bank loans can also alleviate your concerns about paying a large unexpected veterinary bill by allowing you to spread out the payments. 

Preventing leptospirosis in your dog

Vaccination against the most common leptospirosis serovars is the most effective way to prevent any associated clinical illness in your dog. Other prevention methods include:

• Avoiding areas of standing water
• Controlling rodents and other wildlife around your home and immediate environment
• Avoiding letting your dog swim in lakes around heavily wooded areas
• Designating a specific location for your dog to eliminate while undergoing treatment
• Ensuring your dog does not eat wildlife 

Call our office if your dog has signs consistent with leptospirosis or you are worried they may have contacted contaminated water. We recommend having your dog vaccinated with your family veterinarian to prevent this potentially deadly infection. #AECprevents

Sources:

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951453

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/leptospirosis/leptospirosis-in-dogs?query=leptospirosis%20dogs

https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2017-09/leptospirosis-the-vaccine-preventable-great-pretender

The post Does Your Dog Need A Leptospirosis Vaccine? appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

What is canine parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus causes a highly infectious viral disease typically referred to as parvo. Infected dogs shed the parvovirus in their feces, and the virus remains in the environment for months or even years since it is highly resistant to disinfectants and temperature changes. Dogs typically become infected when they ingest the virus, such as by eating grass or licking their feet after being outside. The virus can also contaminate inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, and clothing which infects other dogs. Puppies are highly susceptible to infection and suffer the most severe signs since their immunity has not yet fully developed. 

Canine parvovirus attacks a dog’s intestinal lining which sloughs and sheds in the feces. Intestinal bacteria and toxins then enter exposed blood vessels and cause septicemia, a body-wide blood infection. Severe septicemia and dehydration cause serious illness and can be deadly, despite treatment. 

In rare cases, canine parvovirus can attack the heart muscle of young puppies (i.e., younger than 8 weeks) causing heart failure and sudden death. 

What are canine parvovirus signs?

Parvo signs develop secondary to severe intestinal damage and may include:

• Lethargy 
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Severe, hemorrhagic diarrhea
• Severe dehydration

Many illnesses and infections, including intestinal parasites and gastritis, can cause vomiting and diarrhea in puppies which can quickly lead to life-threatening dehydration. Any puppy with these signs should be evaluated immediately by a veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

How is canine parvovirus treated?

Canine parvovirus infections typically require hospitalization and intensive treatment. This may include:

• Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
• Injectable medications to control nausea and vomiting
• Antibiotics to treat or prevent septicemia
• Invasive nutritional support
• Plasma transfusions

Infected dogs are treated in an isolation ward since parvo is highly contagious. Contamination is contained and they cannot pass the infection to other hospital patients. They are cared for by hospital team members wearing disposable gowns, gloves, and shoe coverings to prevent spread. 

Affected dogs typically are hospitalized for several days to a week. With aggressive treatment, 70% to 90% of dogs with parvo will survive, but survival rates are significantly lower without treatment. 

How can I plan ahead for an unexpected veterinary emergency?

No pet owner wants to be caught unprepared for a veterinary emergency and be forced to make life-or-death decisions based on finances. Long-term hospitalization and intensive treatment, whether for an infectious disease, a traumatic injury, or a sudden illness, can quickly become costly, so plan ahead for a potential emergency. Pet health insurance, purchased through trusted companies such as Trupanion, allows you to focus on your pet’s care and recovery instead of scraping together funds to cover treatment—or worse, not being able to proceed with treatment due to finances. 

Alternative methods that can help pay for your pet’s treatment include:

• CareCredit — A credit card solely for medical expenses, Care Credit allows facilities to delay interest. Most veterinary hospitals will delay interest payments for six months on expenses more than $200.
• Scratch Pay — Scratch Pay offers a line of credit that is limited to one facility only, although you can apply for credit at multiple facilities. You can choose the repayment term, and interest rates vary according to the timeline and your credit history. 
• Bank loans — Although private bank loans typically have higher interest rates, they may be your only choice in an emergency situation.

These options can help cover your pet’s medical costs in a pinch, but you will have less stress if you plan ahead and purchase pet medical insurance when you first adopt your pet because you will know they are covered.

How can I prevent canine parvovirus in my dog? 

Fortunately, canine parvovirus is preventable with routine vaccination. Puppies should receive their first parvovirus vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks of age, as well as boosters every three to four weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old. Every puppy must receive the full vaccination series as partial vaccination may not produce adequate virus immunity and leave your pup vulnerable to infection. Some dog breeds such as rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, American pit bull terriers, German shepherd dogs, and English springer spaniels have a higher incidence of parvo, and may require additional vaccines. Your puppy should not leave your yard until their vaccinations are complete as parvovirus is ubiquitous in the environment, and exposure is highly likely.  

Adult dogs should receive a vaccine booster at 1 year of age, and then once every three years.

Do not delay if your puppy develops vomiting and diarrhea. Contact your family veterinarian, or call us for help if needed. #AECprevents

The post Canine Parvovirus: A Deadly Threat appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

What are zoonotic diseases in pets?

More than 100 zoonotic diseases worldwide are caused by harmful germs such as parasites, viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Any aged pet or person is at risk of a zoonotic disease infection, but pets or people who are immunocompromised or suffering from other underlying disease are most at risk for severe illness. Common ways zoonotic diseases are spread include:

• Direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, urine, or feces
• Touching an infected object or environment such as a food bowl, pet toy, or soil
• Ingesting or handling contaminated food, raw food, or undercooked meats 
• A sting or bite from an infected insect, such as a mosquito, flea, or tick
• Drinking or swimming in a bacteria-contaminated water source

Additionally, pets who do not receive preventive care or those who have contact with infected environments, wildlife, or people, are at increased risk for contracting a zoonotic disease. Common zoonotic disease types include: 

• Bacteria —E.coli and salmonella are easily spread by fecal contamination of water or food sources. Leptospirosis bacteria, which can be deadly to pets, is spread by your pet drinking from a contaminated water source. Bartonella bacteria causes Cat Scratch Fever in people who are scratched or bitten by an infected cat or dog. Pets who are not on flea control are most likely to be infected with bartonella bacteria. 
• Fungi —Dermatophytosis, or ringworm, is the most common fungal zoonotic disease spread between pets and people. Ringworm affects the skin of people and animals, and can be spread by direct contact, or contact with infected surfaces.
• Viruses —Rabies is a deadly viral zoonotic disease that is primarily spread by contact with an infected animal’s saliva, and can affect any mammal. No effective treatment is available after signs develop. Read more about rabies infection and the importance of rabies vaccinations here. 
• Intestinal parasites — Roundworms, tapeworms, giardia, and toxoplasma parasites are spread through contact with an infected pet’s feces. Hookworms are transmitted through direct contact so use caution when walking barefoot near your pet’s elimination areas.
• External parasites — Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks may transmit zoonotic diseases including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or plague, between people and pets.

Zoonotic disease signs in pets

In some cases, pets who are infected with a zoonotic agent, like toxoplasma, may not show any disease signs, but can still spread an infection to other pets or people. Zoonotic disease signs and severity are variable, and depend on the infection type and the strength of your pet’s immune system. Signs may include:

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Coughing or sneezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Inappetence
• Skin inflammation or scaling skin
• Behavior changes
• Difficulty walking
• Abdominal pain

Diagnosis and treatment for your pet’s zoonotic disease

Your pet needs immediate veterinary care if they show illness signs, especially after exposure to wildlife, standing water, or an unvaccinated pet. Ensure you provide your veterinarian with your pet’s vaccination and preventive care history. They will perform a thorough physical examination and may recommend several blood, urine, and fecal tests to determine if a zoonotic disease is causing your pet’s illness. Advanced imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound may also be recommended to rule out other underlying illnesses. Pets who are diagnosed with intestinal parasites will require several deworming medication doses. However, pets with more serious zoonotic diseases may require hospitalization for stabilization and treatment which may include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy 
• IV antibiotics
• Antifungal medication
• Pain medication
• Anti-nausea medication
• Gastrointestinal protectants
• Liver support medication

Financial options for your pet’s zoonotic disease treatment

Pets undergoing zoonotic treatment may require an extended hospital stay and several checkups which can be expensive. However, purchasing a pet health insurance plan like Trupanion when your pet is young will ensure funds are available for your pet’s emergency care. Trupanion can pay your veterinary clinic directly which eliminates the need to submit paperwork and wait for reimbursements. Other financial options for covering treatment costs include Care Credit, Scratch Pay, a pet health savings account, and short-term loans.

Zoonotic disease prevention in pets

Good hygiene practices such as handwashing and regular visits with your family veterinarian are the best prevention against zoonotic diseases in your pet. Additionally, rabies and leptospirosis vaccinations will ensure your pet is protected against two deadly diseases. Other preventive methods include:

• Ensuring your pet’s vaccinations are current 
• Giving your pet year-round veterinary-recommended flea and parasite preventives
• Bringing your pet for immediate veterinary care after any potential disease exposure or if they are showing disease signs
• Regularly bathing and grooming your pet
• Regularly cleaning your pet’s food and water bowls and storing them away from human dishes
• Immediately picking up and properly disposing of your pet’s feces 
• Wearing gloves when picking up your pet’s feces or when cleaning your cat’s litter box
• Avoiding contact with wildlife
• Preventing your pet from drinking or swimming in standing water such as a pond or creek that may be contaminated 
• Avoiding feeding your pet any raw meats or eggs or unwashed vegetables or fruits

Call your family veterinarian right away if your pet has any zoonotic disease signs or a known exposure. If your pet ever needs help after hours, contact Animal Emergency Care. #AECprevents

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/basics/zoonotic-diseases.html

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/IDCU/health/Tick-Borne-Diseases.aspx

https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/zoonotic-diseases-and-pets-faq

https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_leptospirosis

https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/pmahaney/2012/apr/keeping_pets_friendly_disease_free-14631

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