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Leptospirosis Disease

Leptospirosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that can be transmitted from dogs to people. Usually a dog catches it from contact with infected urine. Because puppies and male dogs are less discreet in their urinating habits than are adult females, they have a much higher rate of infection.

Signs of illness appear in five to fifteen days. In the early stage of the disease the dog will run a fever accompanied by listlessness, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, severe diarrhea, and vomiting.

Leptospirosis can affect many systems, but the primary signs are associated with the kidneys. The dog may move slowly with a hunched gait due to pain in the kidney area. She may also
show signs of jaundice - the eyes, gums, and tongue may have a yellowish cast, which indicates a liver problem.

You must seek professional treatment. Your veterinarian will probably give your dog the antibiotic streptomycin. In severe cases he or she will recommend hospitalization. If your dog convalesces at home, good hygiene is essential to avoid catching the disease yourself. Wash your hands after touching the dog, and keep her out of the rooms in
which you eat.