What is Lepto?

Leptospirosis is a bacteria which can be found in the environment.  It is most common in stagnant or slow moving water, but can also be found in soil.  Leptospirosis is spread via the urine of infected animals.  This includes many species of wildlife that may move in and out of our yards on a daily basis.  Urine contaminated water (such as puddles, ponds, rivers, etc) can serve as a source of infection.  The bacteria can infect many mammals and primarily causes liver and kidney failure.  It is a very life-threatening disease which can unfortunately be spread to humans as well!

Symptoms can vary quite a bit by the severity and form of Leptospirosis.  The most common symptoms to watch for include fever, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tenderness, and urinating/ drinking a lot.  These symptoms can be associated with many other diseases, making Leptospirosis a bit difficult to diagnosis.

Elevations in liver and kidney values may make your veterinarian suspicious of Lepto and there are more specific blood tests that can be subsequently run to diagnose the disease.  Treatment consists of antibiotics and often aggressive, in hospital care is necessary.  Even with aggressive treatment, this disease can be very life threatening.

The best news is that Leptospirosis disease can be prevented by vaccination.  We recommend a yearly vaccine which will produce immunity towards the most common Leptospirosis serovars.  Prevent your pets from drinking standing water outside, especially after flooding or heavy rainfall.  If you see symptoms that may be consistent with Leptospirosis infection, please make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible as early diagnosis and treatment is crucial for success in treatment. 

Ask us to learn more about the Leptospirosis vaccine.

article written by:

Derek Williamson, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Vernon Hills and Crawford Animal Hospital

No Sharing!!! Zoonotic Diseases - Part 2

What is a Zoonotic Disease??—Part 2

In this second article discussing zoonotic disease, I will focus on other infections, besides parasites, that pets can share with people.  A zoonotic disease can be transmitted from animals to people. 

Ringworm—Ringworm is actually a fungus.  It can create a round spot where it infects the skin.  It is itchy and annoying.  It is seen in many species of animals, both wild and domestic, but is more often seen in puppies, kittens, or pets from shelter environments.  It will linger on surfaces and on bedding used by an animal.  Not all animals will have apparent ringworm, but can carry it and give it to others.  After diagnosis, it is treated with topical or oral medications.  Home disinfection is also important to prevent reinfection. 

Leptospirosis—Leptospirosis (lepto) is caused by a bacteria.  Initially, a lepto infection will be much like the flu, but it can progress to cause liver disease, kidney disease, or meningitis. It is shed in the urine of infected animals, where it can stay in the soil for weeks.  Animals that we have in our yards, such as mice, raccoons, and squirrels can carry lepto.  It is also associated with water sources such as lakes and rivers due to animal contamination.  People can become infected by contact with broken skin, mucous membranes (mouth, eyes) or by drinking contaminated water.  It can be treated with antibiotics and supportive care. 

Rabies—Rabies is a fatal viral infection.  It is carried by mammals, with skunks, raccoons, bats, and fox being the most popular in the United States.  In our area, bats are the source of most exposures.  Rabies is fatal.  In humans, a vaccination series can be given after exposure to prevent infection.  In pets, however, this is not the case.  If an unvaccinated pet is believed to be exposed to rabies (bitten by a suspect animal, found playing with a bat, etc.), euthanasia may be recommended.  A prolonged, strict quarantine is another option.  A vaccinated pet that is believed exposed has a shorter quarantine period.  Keeping your pets’ (including indoor cats) rabies vaccination current is strongly recommended; it just saves tremendous worry and difficult decisions if an exposure were to occur.  If you are bitten by an animal, washing the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes, then seeking medical care is important. 

There are many more zoonotic diseases.  This is only the top of a long list.  While it can be unnerving to know that there are illnesses our pets could potentially give to us, good pet hygiene, cleanliness, and preventative care will keep us safe and healthy! 

Sources and References:

www.dhs.wisconsin.gov

www.cdc.gov

article written by:

Laura Rau-Holl, DVM

Wolf Merrick Animal Hospital, Kenosha, WI

Thanksgiving Staples that are Hazards to Pups

Happy Thanksgiving from Camp McDonald Animal Hospital!  We have so much to be thankful for, we are sure you do too.  Enjoy your holiday and keep your pets away from the Thanksgiving Day feast.

Have you heard of Bark Box before?  Several of our team's dogs get one delivered every month.  Gina says "Olive" knows its for her before she even gets it in the front door.   Its a box full of fun new toys and treats arriving monthly on your door step.  Check out their website here.  

Our holiday safety tips come straight from the Bark Box website this time.  Check them out:

‘Tis the season for sharing and caring. But if you care for your dog, here are 11 things you will NOT share with them on Thanksgiving.

Note: This list comes from the ASPCA’s list of hazardous foods for dogs. Of course, some dogs have stomachs of steel and can eat everything from light bulbs to onion sandwiches, but this list is for folks who want to be extra careful. 

1. Salty Turkey Skin

Your Thanksgiving turkey will be basted in a number of tasty herbs and spices, like sage or dill, which are bad for your dog’s tummy. The fatty skin, added salty brine, and added butter isn’t very good for dogs either. When they start throwing the puppy dog eyes, you can give those pups a tiny piece of turkey breast though!

2. Turkey Bones

When the turkey’s gone, the bones that remain are NOT a good chew toy for your dog. They are brittle choking hazards that easily splinter if chewed.

3. Stuffing

This Thanksgiving staple often contains onions, which poison dogs’ blood cells.

4. Garlic Bread

Garlic is a member of the onion family (as far as dogs are concerned), so this is also bad for their blood.

5. Fruit Salad

A good rule of thumb is to not feed dogs fruit with seeds or pits. These inflame doggie intestines. Yuck! So, no plums, peaches, or grapes. That includes raisins!

6. Sausage

Sausage is more than meat. Sausage also contains, onions, garlic, and a bunch of other ingredients we’ve already mentioned.

7. Pecan Pie

Dogs shouldn’t be eating dessert anyway, but nuts can cause muscle spasms and weakness of the legs for up to 48 hours. Walnuts and macadamia nuts are the worst.

8. Booze

Whether wine or beer, alcohol is simply not good for dogs. Grapes and hops are both toxic to dogs, and so is the alcohol itself.

9. Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie

This one’s tricky. Both pumpkin and sweet potatoes are good for dogs. But for Thanksgiving many people add cinnamon and nutmeg to their pumpkin or sweet potato dishes which isn’t so great for our pups.

10. Ice Cream

Just like humans, some pups handle dairy just fine– others get a tummyache. It really depends on your pup.

11. Moldy Foods

I’m sure you don’t intend to feed your dog moldy, rotted food, so what I’m really trying to say is watch your dog around your overflowing trashcan. Moldy foods produce harmful mycotoxins, which just sound scary and do serious damage to your dog’s health.

For more food hazards check with the ASPCA.

What is a Zoonotic Disease??

While many diseases will only affect one species of animals, there are some that will cross from one to another.  A zoonotic disease can be transmitted from animals to people.  As we share our home with pets, as well live in a community with many domesticated and non-domesticated animals, it is good to be aware of those diseases we could easily share. With good hygiene and preventive care, the risk of acquiring something from your pet is minimal, but remember that pets lacking care, feral or roaming pets, as well as wild animals will always pose a threat. 

There are numerous diseases that pets and people can share.  I will focus on the diseases we more commonly encounter in this area.  The first article will discuss parasites and the second will cover other infectious diseases. 

While reading about these parasites can be unnerving, with good hygiene and prevention measures, risk of disease can be kept to a minimum.  The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) website for pet owners has extensive information about many parasites. It is a great resource for pet owners.  The CAPC is the veterinary authority on parasitism.

Roundworms and Hookworms

If you have ever had a young puppy or kitten, your veterinarian probably prescribed a course of dewormer. This is because the life cycle of roundworms and hookworms is very difficult to break. The intestinal parasite exam (fecal sample) we recommend for every pet checks for these and other parasites.  Most heartworm preventatives also protect against intestinal parasites, therefore year around preventative is recommended.  

Roundworm—Pets with these parasites shed eggs when they defecate which will remain in the environment for years! Roundworm eggs can be accidentally eaten by people, most often children. A larvae from the roundworm egg can migrate into the liver, lung, brain, or eye tissues, causing significant and serious illness. 

The raccoon carries a particularly nasty roundworm with similar characteristics. While it can migrate in organs or the eye, it has an affinity for brain tissue. It can affect pets as well as people.

Hookworm—While this parasite’s eggs will not survive in the environment for a long period of time (they are killed by freezing temperatures), they will also affect humans.  The larvae “hatches” from the egg and will penetrate the skin of people that come in contact with it.  It migrates under the skin causing an irritating rash. 

Toxoplasmosis

The intended host of Toxoplasmosis is the cat.  Cats are infected with Toxoplasmosis when consuming small prey, eating raw infected meat, or consuming Toxoplama eggs.  An infected cat will shed eggs for approximately three weeks, but often show no signs of illness. The eggs must be in the environment for 24 hours before they can infect humans. Toxoplasmosis is acquired by humans (or other mammals) through either accidental ingestion of eggs shed by a cat or consumption of immature forms in undercooked meat.  Toxoplasmosis is of particular concern for expectant mothers as it can harm the unborn child.  Immunocompromised people are at higher risk of disease if exposed, as well.  This parasite also has an affinity for brain tissue.  Given the lifecycle of this parasite, an indoor kept cat on a commercial diet poses less threat to an expectant mother than the outdoor and feral cat population.  One may encounter their feces when doing yardwork.  Eggs can remain in the environment for months to years.  Raw meat, particularly meat raised where food animals and cats comingle, can also have encysted immature Toxoplasma organisms.

Human exposure can be limited by daily scooping of litter pans, keeping cats indoors, not feeding raw meat to your cat, proper handling and cooking of meat for yourself, and wearing gloves while gardening. 

With all parasites, picking up pet waste immediately, good hygiene, and preventative care for pets will limit likelihood of exposure.  For more information on parasites and your pet, visit the website for the Companion Animal Parasite Council (www.petsandparasites.org).  

article written by:

Laura Rau-Holl, DVM

Wolf Merrick Animal Hospital, Kenosha, WI