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Kansas State University veterinarians are seeing a dramatic increase in the number dogs with a bacterial infection common in wet weather.

Manhattan, KS - infoZine- "The rain has made this a banner fall for leptospirosis," said Dr. Kenneth Harkin, a veterinarian at K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine. "Our lab is seeing a positive test about every other day."

Leptospirosis_in_kidney: (click to enlarge) Photomicrograph of kidney tissue, using a silver staining technique, revealing the presence of Leptospira bacteria. Photo credit: CDC/Dr. Martin Hicklin SourHarkin, an associate professor of clinical sciences, developed a PCR test to improve the diagnosis of leptospirosis, an infection caused by bacteria that thrive in wet weather. The disease is transmitted through the urine of domestic and wild animals and can be transmitted to people.

Harkin said dogs usually pick up the infection from a water source like a puddle or pond. It also is possible for dogs to get leptospirosis through water bowls if another infected animal, such as a rodent, has been in contact with the water.

Given the increase in leptospirosis cases this fall, Harkin said dog owners should keep an eye out for a sudden onset of illness, although symptoms sometimes come on slowly. Red flags include lethargy, vomiting, poor appetite, increased drinking and any evidence of kidney failure.

Harkin said that concerned dog owners can ask their pet's veterinarian to run a test to check for leptospirosis. If the dog tests positive, the infection can be treated with antibiotics, he said.

To prevent an infection in the first place, Harkin said several vaccines are available. He recommends a four-way leptospirosis vaccine that protects against four specific types of the bacteria rather than the vaccines that protect against just two types.

Source: Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine