As we enter the rainy season, we would like to introduce everyone to the dangers of dogs and cats, such as “leptospirosis”, a contagious disease transmitted from animals to humans that can be found all over the world and isDiseases that we often hear about Hearing the name, many people might think that Leptospirosis is only a disease related to rats. How could it be related to dogs and cats? But in fact, this disease caused by small rats is a silent threat to dogs and cats that comes with the rainy season.This is a period of high disease outbreaks. If any animal is infected, the scary thing is that the symptoms can be severe enough to cause death. Anyone who is worried that their dog or cat might be infected should try to understand this disease.
“Leptospirosis” or “Leptospirosis” It is a mammalian disease that is as dangerous as rabies. It is caused by bacteria in the Leptospira spp. group, which are commonly found in rats. This bacteria can be found in abundance in tropical regions because of the temperature suitable for growth and can easily contaminate the environment. The animals that are disease vectors are not only rats as the name of the disease suggests, but there are many other animals that are disease vectors such as rats, buffalo, dogs, cats, cows, pigs, etc. If these animals are infected, the germs will be in their kidneys and expelled into the environment through urine.
How can dogs and cats get leptospirosis?
Dogs and cats can contract leptospirosis.From contact with water sources, soil, mud contaminated with urine from disease-carrying animals Contact with the infection through skin wounds or by eating food and water contaminated with this type of bacteria. This bacteria is carried in secretions, especially animal urine. The incubation period of Leptospirosis is 7-14 days, and animals infected with Leptospirosis often have germs in their kidneys, allowing the bacteria to be found in their urine for a long period of time.
Leptospirosis prevention
We can prevent leptospirosis in dogs and cats by bringing them to get vaccinated annually, which will prevent 5 diseases: distemper, colds, hepatitis, enteritis, and leptospirosis, all in one shot. Therefore, anyone who raises dogs and cats should be careful to bring them to get vaccinated regularly every year, once a year. In addition to our dogs and cats being safe from this disease, it is also a prevention.Leptospirosis can also infect us.
Symptoms of animals with leptospirosis
Animals that are sick with leptospirosis will haveSymptoms vary depending on the body's immune system. Some animals mayAsymptomaticIt is seen because of high immunity, but some of themSevere symptoms can damage various organs in the body, such as the liver, kidneys, circulatory system, and nervous system.
Symptoms of leptospirosis in infected animals include high fever, weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and blood spots on the mucous membranes. Some animals may develop severe anemia or jaundice, and in pregnant animals, miscarriage or premature death of the fetus may occur. If an animal is severely infected,The infection entering the bloodstream can be life-threatening.
Treatment of leptospirosis in dogs and cats
Treatment of leptospirosis in dogs and cats can be done by using various antibiotics, along with intravenous fluids in severe cases or blood transfusions in cases with severe anemia. Owners can also prevent hygienic conditions for dogs and cats by keeping them clean at all times and being careful not to let them get into the house. Do not drink, swim, or play in muddy water sources that may be contaminated with germs, including:Wearing gloves and washing your hands every time you come into contact with sick animals can help prevent infection with Leptospirosis.
References
Dr. Thitikorn Eksiritrairat (Dr. Sun), veterinarian at Talingchan Animal Hospital
Leptospirosis in animal and its public health implications: a review
WaktoleYadeta,Bashahun G,Michael and NejashAbdela
World applied sciences journal 845-853
English