Page 18 - Boca Club News - January '25

Page 18, Boca Club News

Pet Matters
Pet Matters

You and Your Pet: Leptospirosis

By Cindy Krane, DVM, Calusa Veterinary Center, 6900 may never fully recover and may suffer permanent kidney Consensus Statement emphasizes the importance of regular
Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33487, (561) 999-3000, damage. These dogs will require a special low-protein diet, vaccination to prevent Leptospirosis. The vaccination, once
www.CVCBoca.com. kidney supplements and frequent monitoring. considered a” lifestyle” vaccine, is now considered a “core”
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that initially causes fever, Leptospirosis poses a significant zoonotic risk, meaning it vaccination. The updated guidelines recommend that all
chills and flu-like symptoms before progressing to severe, can be transmitted from infected dogs to humans. Pet owners dogs, regardless of lifestyle or geographic location, should be
life-threatening kidney or liver failure. All breeds of dogs are may contract the bacteria through direct contact with their vaccinated against Leptospirosis. This is due to the zoonotic
susceptible to Leptospirosis, with young to middle-aged, active, dog’s urine, saliva or other bodily fluids. Symptoms in humans potential of the disease and its expanding geographic prevalence.
large-breed, male, outdoor dogs at higher risk of contracting can range from mild flu-like illness to severe complications, Vaccinating dogs not only protects them but also minimizes the
the infection. The organism thrives in warm, humid and wet including kidney or liver failure. To reduce the risk pet owners risk of human exposure to this dangerous zoonotic pathogen.
climates, including South Florida. should practice strict hygiene, including wearing gloves By following these updated guidelines, and making lifestyle
Transmission can occur through both direct and indirect when cleaning up after their pet and thoroughly washing changes, such as limiting activity in marshy, muddy areas with
pathways. The bacteria reside in slow-moving, stagnant water, hands after handling potentially contaminated materials. stagnant water and controlling rodents, veterinarians and pet
which becomes infected when rodents, foxes, squirrels, skunks, Preventing disease is primarily centered on vaccination. owners can better protect dogs from the devastating effects of
raccoons and opossums void in it. Dogs may contract the disease Updated AAHA Vaccine Guidelines from the ACVIM 2023 Leptospirosis.
by coming into direct contact with infected urine, from bite
wounds or by ingesting affected tissues. Indirect contact can
occur as the bacteria remain stable in the environment (soil,
food, water and bedding) for long periods–up to six months. NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
The bacteria enter the bloodstream through minor breaks
in the skin, exposed or abraded skin, softened skin, or mucous
membranes of the nose, lips and eyes. This infection leads to
fever, anemia (low red blood cell count), thrombocytopenia Boca Raton Concierge Medicine Doctor
(low platelet count), and leukocytosis (high white blood
cell count). Bleeding develops, the dog becomes jaundiced
(yellow tinge to the skin), electrolytes are depleted, and Board Certified in
renal (kidney) and liver values rise. The infection localizes
and spreads to its primary target organ (the kidneys) and the Internal Medicine
secondary target organ (the liver), causing massive damage. with Added Qualifications in
The infection may result in an acute crisis, set up chronic
disease or cause nephritis (inflammation of kidneys) and Geriatrics (2002).
hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).
Clinical signs range from acute kidney injury to chronic Steven E. Reznick, MD, FACP
disease to sudden death. Patients typically present dehydrated,
urinating and drinking excessively, with fever and gastrointestinal Voted a “Best Doctor”
signs. In rare cases the eyes and central nervous system may be by his peers.
affected. The severity of disease depends on the form (acute,
subacute or chronic), the serovar (subtype), and the age and
immunity of the patient. Call to request a complimentary meeting
In addition to the above findings, any patient with acute kidney
injury or liver failure should be screened for Leptospirosis. There with Dr. Reznick.
are various blood and urine tests to determine if Leptospirosis
is the cause of the dog’s illness.
Treatment focuses on supportive care, including administering 561.368.0191
large amounts of IV fluids to combat dehydration and shock,
support kidney function, and flush toxins from the system.
In severe cases kidney dialysis may be indicated. Blood 7280 W. Palmetto Park Road | 205N
transfusions may be needed for bleeding patients with anemia Boca Raton, FL 33433
and thrombocytopenia. Antibiotics are crucial to fight bacteria. www.bocaconciergedoc.com
These patients should be isolated and handled with extreme
caution due to the zoonotic potential (risk of transmission to
humans). Proper hygiene, including wearing gloves and safely
disposing of waste, is essential.
The prognosis ranges from guarded to good, with an
approximate 70% survival rate. With aggressive treatment most
dogs recover from the acute disease. However, some patients

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