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Leptospirosis in Small Animals
Infectious DiseaseBacteriaCanineFelineNew
Key Points
  • Leptospirosis is a systemic bacterial disease caused by Leptospira spp. 
  • The bacteria primarily target the kidneys and liver, causing acute kidney injury (AKI) ± hepatic injury
  • Initial clinical signs are non-specific (e.g. pyrexia, lethargy, myalgia) but can quickly progress to azotaemia, icterus and bleeding tendencies
  • Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion followed by detection of either the organism (via PCR) or the antibody response (via serology)
  • Immediate antibiotic therapy is required, with initial ß-lactams followed by doxycycline to clear renal carriage
    • Treatment should NOT be delayed in favour of definitive diagnostic confirmation
  • Vaccination is essential in all dogs, but it doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility of infection
  • Leptospirosis is ZOONOTIC with urine being the key source of infection
Differential Diagnoses
  1. Acute toxic nephropathy (e.g. grape / raisin ingestion, ethylene glycol)
  2. Pyelonephritis
  3. Acute hepatitis
  4. Coagulopathies
Overview
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Resources
Overview

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Aetiology

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Clinical Signs

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Resources

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Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →