Leptospirosis

LEPTOSPIROSIS: ARE YOUR DOGS PROTECTED?


What in the world is leptospirosis? Many pet owners have never heard of it. Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a spiral shaped bacteria. Both humans and animals can be infected with the bacteria.  It is most commonly contracted by drinking contaminated water, including rivers, streams, and even puddles.

What animals get leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis can affect many different animals but is most commonly found in dogs, horses, cattle, wildlife, rodents, and pigs. To our currently knowledge, it rarely affects cats.

How can my pet get leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals, which gets into water or soil and can survive for weeks to months. Animals become infected when they come in direct contact with the contaminated areas. The bacteria enters through cuts in the skin, through eyes, nose or mouth, as well through ingestion of contaminated water or soil (eat or drink it). The bacteria can also be inhaled.

How does leptospirosis affect my animal?

In dogs, leptospirosis can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weakness, stiffness, and muscle pain. Each patient is different when it comes to leptospirosis. Some have very few signs and others become very sick. Kidney and liver damage can also occur from this disease. In general young animals tend to be severely affected then older animals.

Can humans get leptospirosis?

YES! Humans can become infected with leptospirosis in ways similar to animals. In addition to touching, inhaling or ingesting contaminated water or soil, humans can also get leptospirosis by coming in contact with infected urine from animals (including dogs).

*** In a recent research study, leptospirosis was found to be one of the top diseases spread from pets to people (this is called a zoonotic disease).


How do I protect my pet and myself from leptospirosis?

Avoiding contact with contaminated areas is one main way to prevent disease, but far too often we cannot know when an area is contaminated.  If rodents run on it or drink from it, it is likely to be contaminated.

Vaccination is one of the best ways we can help prevent disease. The “Lepto” vaccine protects dogs from the 4 most common serovars (types) of leptospriosis. It is a series of 2 vaccines (3 weeks apart) for the first year, then annually after that. This is one of the best ways to protect you and your pet from this nasty disease!




References: Fast Facts: Leptospirosis. The Center for Food Security and Public Health 2006

IVMA Winter Conference: Animal Neglect/Abuse Investigation

The SDMVC health care team attended the Animal Neglect/Abuse Investigation sessions at the Iowa Veterinary Medical Assocation (IVMA) Winter Conference on Wednesday, February 8th.  We attended nine different sessions on the topic and we were able to see worldly perspectives on animal care all the way down to how proper animal care is enforced right here in Des Moines.

                                    SDMVC Health Care Team at IVMA Conference 
           (From left to right:  Dr. Beyer, Dawn, Kathy, Kym, Lex, Cari, Dr. Flaming, Tami)

Some major points that we took away from this conference are:

1. In order to investigate and prosecute animal neglect,  people from many different professions must work together.   To name a few:  Police Officers, Animal Control Officers, Veterinarians, Cruelty Investigators, and Lawyers  We are very fortunate here in Des Moines that these groups already work together very well and each understand how important each role is in the process.    
2. If you suspect animal neglect/abuse, call your local animal control or law enforcement to report it.  Do NOT  trespass or try to remove the animal(s).   Leave that part to the officials!  If you live in the city of Des Moines, and you suspect animal neglect, please call the police dispatch at 283-4811, and request a "welfare check" be done on the animal.  They will send out an animal control officer to the address to check on the animal.
3. Many times people who are "animal hoarders" actually suffer from some kind of mental illness, so while we just want to remove the animals and get them help, the person needs help as well.

One particular session that we attended focused on the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).  The Animal Welfare Act protects certain animals from inhumane treatment and neglect.  Dr.  Heather Cole spoke to us about the licensed facilities that the USDA inspects, who must be licensed, and how the compliance inspection works. In the state of Iowa there are 1,980 licensed facilities.

The facilities that the USDA inspect include:

1. Breeders and Dealers  (a breeder must license their facility when they have 4 or more breeding females)
2. Exhibitors
3. Research Facilities
4. Transporters (i.e. airlines) 

This does NOT include: 

1. Pet Stores (unless exotic animals are sold there)
2. Rodeos
3. State and County Fairs
4. Dog and cat shows
5. Ag exhibitions
6. Dog/Horse racing
7. Unlicensed facilities
8. Private Ownership

What do the inspectors look for in a facility?

• The Animal's Condition
• Housing
• Ventilation
• Lighting
• Interior Surfaces
• Primary Enclosures
• Sanitation
• Pest Control
• Feeding/Watering
• Outdoor Shelter
• Compatibility
• Record Keeping
• Adequate Vet Care
• Transporting/Handling

All inspections are unannounced.  They want to see what a typical day is like at the facility.  Dr. Cole stated that most Licensed Facilities do follow the standards of the Animal Welfare Act.  It's the facilities that do NOT have a license that are usually the ones that have problems.  There are no limits to how many animals a facility has, as long as they are following the AWA. 

If a facility is not in compliance with certain things, they are given a certain amount of time to fix what the issue is, and then the inspector will visit again to make sure they are in compliance.  If the issue is not fixed in the allotted time, the facility may receive a fine, their license may be revoked, or the animals may be confiscated depending on the situation. 

For more information on the Animal Welfare Act, visit here

Mr. Nubbins Needs A Home!

Mr. Nubbins (“Nubs” for short) was brought into SDMVC, due to a tail injury.  After examination, Dr. Flaming believed Nubs had suffered a traumatic injury to his tail, and his tail needed to be amputated.  Unfortunately, his owners were unable to cover his medical expenses, so Dr. Flaming agreed to take Nubs in at SDMVC, provide his medical treatment, and try to find him a new home. 

Over the past 6 months Nubs has been recovering from his tail amputation and also working through some litter box issues as a result of his injury.  With months of TLC, his tail has completely healed and he has been doing great using his litter box.  On occasion, we find a small piece of stool outside his litter box, which is most likely out of his control due to his injury.   

Nubs is very affectionate with women, always wanting to sit in your lap and be petted, but takes a while before he warms up to men.  He needs plenty of time to get acquainted to his new family. 

He is a very independent cat and would thrive in a home where he is the only cat.  He may be able to co-exist with another cat with gradual integration.  He prefers to keep his distance from dogs, but will defend himself if they are too close for comfort.  He’s not afraid to give them a little paw whack! (Don't worry- Nubs is front declawed)

Nubs is also a food-eating machine!!  He knows exactly when breakfast and supper time are here at the clinic and will meow when it’s feeding time until he gets his food.  He also loves cat treats.  His new owner will definitely have to make sure they keep food out of Nubs reach, as he will help himself!

Nubs is almost 3 years old, has been neutered and front declawed, and is current on his vaccines. 

We understand that Nubs has some special needs, but hope that there is a loving home out there that is willing to make him a part of their family!  Call the vet center at 515-285-5523 to set up a time to meet this handsome fellow today!