Understanding the Risk of Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is something all pet owners need to be aware of and watchful for, though the chances are slim that you will ever encounter it. This is a rare bacterial infection that can pass from animals to humans. It’s spread through contact with the urine of an infected animal and is most often seen in dogs, rodents, and farm animals. In most cases, Leptospirosis is unpleasant but not life-threatening unless someone has an underlying health condition, a weakened immune system, or are very young or very old. Most outbreaks of Leptospirosis symptoms last for a week or less; however, in one out of ten cases a severe form of the infection can develop.

Warning Signs of Leptospirosis in Pets

While Leptospirosis originates in animals, they may not have any symptoms yet can still be carriers of the disease. Here are some of the common symptoms to look for in your pets to be sure they do not have a bad Leptospirosis infection:

• Sudden onset of a high fever and other sudden signs of illness.
• Sore muscles, stiffness, reluctance to move, pain when walking.
• Shivering and trembling not related to cold or temperature change.
• Weakness, falling, buckling of legs not commonly seen.
• Depression, lack of appetite, not wanting to do normal activities.
• Increased thirst and urination, trouble urinating, sudden accidents.

Warning Signs of Leptospirosis in People & Getting Care for Leptospirosis

People will usually start developing signs of a Leptospirosis infection within 2 weeks of the initial exposure and infection. Though in some cases, symptoms may lay dormant for a month or more before they manifest. In some rare cases, a person can be a carrier of Leptospirosis and never show any major symptoms at all. When the disease does finally manifest it will progress fast. High fevers of 103-104 are the first common sign that something is wrong. Other symptoms that may be seen in people include the following:

• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Jaundice
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash

Many of these symptoms are similar to other diseases and common illnesses, including the flu and meningitis, so it’s important to get tested. The only way to know for sure you have Leptospirosis and get proper treatment is to see a doctor and take your pet to a veterinarian in Collierville or a local animal hospital to have them tested as well!