Diseases|At the Etelä Suomen Evidensia clinics, several dogs have been diagnosed with a disease caused by the leptospira bacteria during the warm autumn. Leptospirosis can also infect humans.
in Finland the leptospirosis infection, which is extremely rarely found locally, has reared its head in southern Finland.
At the Etelä Suomen Evidensia clinics, several dogs have been diagnosed with a disease caused by the leptospira bacteria during the warm autumn.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease in mammals that causes fatigue and fever in mild cases, but can cause a general infection leading to death in the worst case.
Several mammals can get leptospirosis, including dogs and cats. It can also be transmitted from pets to humans.
Globally the widespread bacterium has been found in Finland in rats and recently also in dogs that have not traveled outside of Finland.
Infected patients excrete the bacteria, especially in the urine, from where it ends up in the environment and continues to spread. There is a risk of infection if, for example, the dog drinks from a puddle where the water has been standing for a long time.
The bacterium can be transmitted if the pet gets water, soil, food contaminated by the leptospira bacterium in its system or eats the infected tissue of a dead animal, such as a rat. The disease is also transmitted through a bite.
It is also possible to get infected through the bedding of an infected animal or other accessories.
Typical symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs include fever, indigestion, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, yellowing of mucous membranes or skin, and copious drinking and urination.
If your pet shows symptoms suitable for leptospirosis, you should contact a veterinarian. The secretions of a sick animal should be handled with care, wearing protective gloves.
“At the vet’s reception, don’t bring your pet to the waiting room right away, but leave the patient in the car first and tell us your suspicions when registering,” says the doctor of veterinary medicine, docent Minna Rinkinen About evidence in the bulletin.
In humans, the disease causes flu-like symptoms, but central nervous system symptoms and more serious symptoms can also occur.
Disease is determined by laboratory tests and can be treated with antibiotics. Treatment started in time is usually curative.
Some patients may require intensive care at a veterinary hospital.
A dog can be protected against leptospirosis with regular vaccination. A dog visiting abroad should always be vaccinated.
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