Acute renal failure can be seen with severe pyelonephritis, ethylene glycol toxicity, RMSF or obstructive urinary tract disease. Oliguria is a poor prognostic sign and may be followed by anuria despite appropriate measures. Electrolytes and renal chemistries should be closely monitored while on fluid therapy. Antibiotic administration can shorten the duration of the illness and urine shedding of the organism and will reduce renal and hepatic damage. A form of penicillin should be used for 14 days or until resolution of the azotemia.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease.
Animal urine is the most important vehicle of infection for man. Direct contact with infected animals can also be a mode of transmission. The organism will cross mucous membranes or enter the blood stream through abraded skin. To date, there have been no reports of human leptospirosis infection associated with any of the infected dogs we have seen while investigating this syndrome, be it in an owner, owner's children, veterinarian handling the case, veterinary technician or hospital staff member. In addition there have been no recent reports of human cases of leptospirosis on Long Island.