Leptospirosis in dogs increasing post-Hurricane Sandy, vet recommends vaccination
In the weeks after the horrible flooding and devastation from Hurricane Sandy in the northeast, the dangers of infectious diseases now lurk in the aftermath.
According to a press release from a New York veterinary hospital yesterday, cases of the bacterial disease, leptospirosis is up in dogs and they are recommending vaccinations for your pets to protect them from this dangerous infection.
Assisi Veterinary Hospital in Malverne, New York, is offering key information about the affects of Leptospirosis and how the disease can be prevented.
“Due to hurricane Sandy, Leptospirosis has been on the rise because outbreaks commonly occur when dogs are exposed to water that is contaminated with infected urine from rodents after flooding and heavy rain,” said Rick Guzman, owner of Assisi Veterinary Hospital. “Dog owners can protect their pets from the effects of this bacteria by having them vaccinated. Give us a call today to see how we can help you protect your dog and family.”
According to the release, Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that causes fever, nausea and occasionally meningitis in humans and liver and kidney damage in dogs. Dogs can become infected when on a walk if they encounter a stagnant pool of water that has been contaminated with rat urine. Dog owners can protect their pet by scheduling a wellness exam at Assisi Veterinary Hospital, where pets can receive a vaccine to protect them from the effects of the disease.
Assisi Veterinary Hospital is committed to arming pet owners with the information they need to keep their pets healthy and safe. For complete information about vaccinations for Leptospirosis and all other Assisi Veterinary Hospital services, visit their website at http://www.assisivh.com or call (516) 256-0022 to schedule an appointment.
More on leptospirosis in humans:
Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by the corkscrew shaped organism, Leptospira. It goes by several other names depending on the locale; mud fever, swamp fever, sugar cane and Fort Bragg fever, among others. It is a disease of both humans and animals.
The rat is the main host to Leptospira. However, other animals such as cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and wild animals can carry the bacterium.
People become infected by direct or indirect contact with the urine of these animals. Contact with urine-contaminated water is extremely important. Contaminated food and soil containing animal urine are other potential sources of infection.
The bacterium enters through contact with skin. Especially through cuts or breaks in the skin and through mucous membranes like the eyes.
Found worldwide, it was long considered an occupational disease (miners, farming, vets, and sugarcane harvesting and sewer workers), it is increasingly associated with recreational water sports and camping.
Symptoms of leptospirosis, if present, appear in up to 4 weeks after exposure. Sometimes the person will show no symptoms or mild flu-likesymptoms.
According to the CDC, Leptospirosis may occur in two phases; after the first phase, with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea, the patient may recover for a time but become ill again. If a second phase occurs, it is more severe; the person may have kidney or liver failure (jaundice) or meningitis. This phase is also called Weil’s disease.
Leptospirosis is confirmed by laboratory testing of a blood or urine sample.
The infection can be treated with antibiotics (penicillin and doxycycline), especially if started early in the disease. For very ill patients, intensive care support and IV antibiotic may be necessary.
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