Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease of dogs spread through contact with infected water or wildlife, causing liver and kidney failure without prompt treatment.
Severe leptospirosis causes rapid multi-organ failure with significant suffering from jaundice, bleeding disorders, and kidney failure. Dogs with severe disease require intensive supportive care including fluid therapy, antiemetics, and pain management. The prognosis is poor for dogs with severe disease even with treatment. Prevention through vaccination and avoiding contact with stagnant water is far more welfare-positive than treating established disease.