The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is getting
increased reports of Leptospirosis Icterohaemorrhagiae in dogs, particularly in
Detroit. Dogs are reported to have presented with peracute to acute lethargy,
vomiting, and jaundice with severe clinical signs of kidney and liver failure.
Nine dogs are known to have died or been euthanized. In most cases dogs have
either have not been vaccinated against leptospirosis or had an uncertain
vaccination history.
Case reports indicate that serovar
Icterohaemmorrhagiae is the likely infecting serovar in these cases. L.
Icterohaemorrhiae can cause severe disease in humans and animals. It is
commonly carried by rats, but can also be transmitted dog to dog.
The
Department is working with the Michigan Department of Community Health to
further investigate this situation. The Department advises that dogs be
vaccinated yearly against all four available serovars of leptospirosis. If a
practioner suspects a case of Leptospirosis, testing (e.g. convalescent antibody
titers, PCR, and/or culture) is recommended. As a reminder, Leptospirosis is a
reportable disease in the State of Michigan. To report suspect and
laboratory-confirmed cases of Leptospirosis in animals, contact 517-373-1077.
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