Leptospirosis - dogs and pets

In many countries, including the United Kingdom, this is another of the diseases against which the dogs must be vaccinated periodically. There are many types of aetiologic agents (serovars), like Leptospire bacteria, all of them transmitted through infected urine.
These bacteria can also affect humans. The symptoms of infection depend on the Etiologic Agent involved. For example, Lepiospire canicola attacks the kidneys and often leads to a chronic kidney disease. In mild cases, the dog simply acquires a characteristic pale for several days. In severe cases, symptoms include lethargy, bad breath (caused by uremia or accumulation of urea in the blood), ulcers in the mouth and vomiting. In cases in which the disease is advanced, acute abdominal pain. Treatment includes antibiotics and therapy to replace fluids. Dogs recover appear sequels in the kidney that contribute to later onset of chronic kidney disease.
Leptospira ichterohaemorrhagiae, often transmitted by rats, affects the liver and is cause of serious injury.
In severe cases, death can happen soon. Signs include lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and jaundice. Fundamental treatment is rapid antibiotic to replace fluids.