Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection which affects a dog’s kidneys and liver.  It is commonly carried in rat’s urine and can be fatal.  It is estimated that approximately 60% of all rats carry this disease.  As this is a bacterial infection and not a viral infection, immunity wanes markedly after 12 months and therefore requires an annual booster.

Symptoms:

• vomiting and diarrhoea
• rapid dehydration  (excessive thirst)
• loss of appetite
• fevers of 103 - 104ºF (38.5 - 40ºC)
• severe myalgia and a reluctance to move
• stiffness
• shivering
• progressive weakness
• depression

Symptoms typically develop over 7 – 10 days but can be as short as 3 days!

It is important to vaccinate against this disease on a yearly basis.  Once the year lapses, your dog’s immunity is seriously diminished.

For more in-depth information on canine Leptospirosis please see: International Veterinary Information Services

Weil’s disease in humans

This disease is also infectious to humans and is commonly known as Weil’s disesase.  As with rat’s urine, a dog’s saliva, vomit and urine are infectious to humans.

Symptoms:

• dry cough
• fever
• headache
• muscle pain
• nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
• shaking chills

Symptoms take an average of 10 days to develop.

Complicated or serious cases may need supportive care or treatment in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU) and may require a liver transplant.

For more information on Weil’s disease in humans see: U.S. National Library of Medicine

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