Leptospirosis in Dogs: Welfare and Prevention

Key Welfare Considerations

• Leptospira bacteria are shed in the urine of infected wildlife, particularly rats, and persist in waterlogged environments.
• Dogs are infected through contact with contaminated water, soil, or infected animal urine.
• Canine leptospirosis causes acute tubular necrosis and hepatitis — welfare impacts are severe and rapidly progressive.
• Clinical signs include vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, haemorrhage, and acute renal failure.
• Uveitis (blue eye) following leptospirosis causes visual impairment welfare impacts.
• Early antibiotic treatment (doxycycline or penicillin-based) significantly improves welfare outcomes.
• Intensive fluid therapy supports renal function during the critical welfare management phase.
• Dialysis may be required in severe acute kidney injury, representing advanced welfare management.
• Mortality in severe leptospirosis is 15-40% despite intensive treatment, emphasising prevention welfare importance.
• Annual vaccination with broad-spectrum 4-serovar L4 vaccines is the most important welfare prevention measure.
• Serovars Copenhageni, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, and Canicola are covered by current vaccines.
• Dogs in rural areas, working dogs, and dogs with water access have higher welfare risk exposure.
• Rat control around dog environments reduces environmental contamination and welfare exposure risk.
• Leptospirosis is a notifiable zoonosis — welfare management includes owner protection protocols.
• Post-infection welfare monitoring for chronic kidney disease is important as CKD may develop after recovery.