FieldDxLeptospirosis in DogsClinical signs, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention in dogs.
Overview
A bacterial infection of dogs ranging from subclinical to acute kidney injury or death. Leptospira interrogans sensu lato (multiple serovars), acquired from contaminated water, soil or wildlife/rodent urine. Marked emergency in FieldDx. Zoonotic: this condition can pass to people.
Clinical signs
- Lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain.
- Polyuria, oliguria or anuria from acute kidney injury -- the most common presentation in recent years.
- Coughing or dyspnea (pulmonary involvement); jaundice of gums/skin/eyes when hepatic failure accompanies renal disease.
Predisposing factors
- Any age, breed or sex susceptible; exposure to contaminated water, soil, or wildlife/rodent urine.
Look-alikes to rule out
Treatment
Antibiotics (e.g. penicillins acutely, then doxycycline to clear carrier state) plus supportive care for renal/hepatic injury.
Drugs mentioned: Doxycycline
Prevention
Vaccination against locally relevant serovars; limit access to stagnant water and rodent-contaminated areas.
Source
MSD Veterinary Manual — Leptospirosis in Dogs (accessed 2026-08-11)
A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goat by ELSEVIER — Leptospirosis
Condensed and attributed, never reproduced whole. Open the full entry in the app.