This is an infectious disease of all species including dogs. It is caused by the microorganism Leptospira interrogans . Leptospirosis may be a peracute illness, which is frequently fatal, or an acute illness with jaundice or acute nephritis . Vaccines are available for the prevention of the infection.
Signs vary from slight fever and nasal discharge to death.
The mortality rate is very high in puppies. Although CNS signs are not normally seen, severely infected dogs may have a terminal seizure with brainstem hemorrhages . A modified live vaccine is available and is often combined with other vaccines and when given, it is usually given along with distemper virus vaccinations. A highly fatal viral infection of the nervous system which affects all warm-blooded animals. The virus is transmitted in the saliva and the principle method of infection is by biting.