Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection affecting dogs through water and wildlife contact, causing severe organ failure with significant welfare implications.
Dogs with acute leptospirosis experience sudden severe kidney and liver failure causing vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, and rapidly deteriorating systemic function. Jaundice, hemorrhage, and pulmonary edema may develop in severe cases. The rapid progression from apparent health to critical illness causes acute intense suffering. Survivors require intensive supportive care and often develop chronic kidney disease affecting long-term welfare. The zoonotic nature of leptospirosis means infected dogs represent a risk to household members, creating management complexity that can affect owner adherence to treatment protocols. Vaccination is highly effective and welfare-protective for at-risk dogs.