Symptoms of Canine Leptospirosis: Recognizing the Warni

Diagnostic Key Points

Key Indicators:

1. The disease is characterized by endemic outbreaks, sporadic cases, and primarily spreads through the skin, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tract. Infection can occur through mating, bites, or ingestion of the pathogen. Vertical transmission via the placenta is also possible. Infected dogs can contaminate the environment by excreting the pathogen in their urine. The disease exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, with a higher incidence during summer and early autumn. The quality of care and management of the dogs is closely related to the occurrence of the disease, with an incubation period typically ranging from 5 to 20 days.

2. When dogs are infected with Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, they may suddenly experience a spike in body temperature, severe vomiting, reduced urine output, and urine that appears bilecolored. The mucous membranes may turn yellow, and there may be bleeding in the skin and mucous membranes. Dogs can rapidly become dehydrated and weak. Symptoms in dogs infected with Leptospira can include severe vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, abdominal pain, ulceration of the oral mucosa, tongue necrosis, and even rotting. Dehydration is common, and the dog's mouth may emit an odor similar to that of decaying urine. The mortality rate for acute cases can be as high as 60% to 80%.

3. Postmortem examination may reveal jaundice in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, serous membranes, and mucous membranes, along with hemorrhages in the heart, lungs, kidneys, and mucous membranes. The liver may be enlarged and appear brownishyellow.

4. To confirm the disease, it is essential to conduct microscopic examination, culture, and serological tests for the pathogen.

5. It is important to differentiate this disease from canine distemper, canine infectious hepatitis, toxoplasmosis, and aflatoxin poisoning when making a diagnosis.

Treatment Methods:

(1) Antibiotic Therapy. Penicillin (40,000 to 80,000 units per kilogram of body weight, twice daily, intramuscularly), and streptomycin (10 to 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, twice daily, intramuscularly).

(2) Symptomatic Treatment. Liver protection, intestinal mucosal protection, and correction of water and electrolyte imbalances.

Preventive Measures:

(1) Strengthen sanitation, disinfection, and rodent control measures to protect water and feed from contamination.

(2) Regular veterinary inspections to promptly isolate and treat any sick dogs.

(3) Regularly administer the Leptospira bivalent vaccine to prevent the disease.