Leptospirose em cães e gatos

Summary

In this informative veterinary medical session, Professor Paulo Ferian and his colleagues discuss the serious and potentially fatal disease leptospirosis, which affects both animals and humans. The program focuses on understanding leptospirosis in dogs and cats, highlighting its transmission, clinical signs, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Emphasizing zoonotic risks, the hosts explore diagnostic techniques, treatment options, and management strategies, including the use of antibiotics like doxycycline. The discussion also covers the need for careful monitoring of affected animals, as well as the long-term effects of recovery, such as kidney dysfunction.

Takeaways

• 😀 Leptospirosis is a severe and potentially fatal disease for both animals (dogs, cats, etc.) and humans, making it an important zoonosis to manage and prevent.
• 😀 Leptospirosis is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which can infect multiple organs, including the kidneys, liver, lungs, and eyes, leading to widespread systemic effects.
• 😀 The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected animal urine, but indirect transmission through contaminated soil and water is also common, especially in flood-prone areas.
• 😀 Leptospirosis manifests with symptoms such as fever, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, jaundice, and sometimes severe conditions like pulmonary hemorrhage and kidney failure.
• 😀 Diagnosis can be challenging, and it typically involves serological tests (like agglutination and Elisa), PCR testing, and clinical signs. A paired serology test can help confirm the diagnosis.
• 😀 Treatment should start as soon as leptospirosis is suspected, as delaying treatment can be fatal. Doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice for treating active infections and preventing further urinary shedding of the bacteria.
• 😀 Leptospirosis can cause significant liver damage, often leading to cholestatic hepatitis, which may result in elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels.
• 😀 Renal involvement is another key concern, with leptospirosis causing interstitial nephritis, acute kidney injury, and sometimes chronic kidney disease, necessitating careful management and monitoring of renal function.
• 😀 Animal reservoirs, like rodents, dogs, and cats, can harbor the bacteria chronically without showing symptoms, acting as a source of infection for other animals or humans.
• 😀 It is crucial to treat contact animals with antibiotics or vaccination to prevent further spread of leptospirosis, particularly in zoonotic contexts where humans are at risk of infection.
• 😀 Although the prognosis for recovery can be poor, particularly for animals with severe liver or kidney damage, patients who survive may face long-term renal issues that require ongoing care and monitoring.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the program discussed in the transcript?

The main objective of the program is to discuss topics related to internal medicine for dogs and cats, helping veterinarians, veterinary students, and others to improve care for their canine and feline patients.

Why is leptospirosis a significant disease for both animals and humans?

Leptospirosis is significant because it is a potentially fatal disease for animals, especially dogs, and it is also a zoonosis, meaning it can be transmitted to humans, posing a severe health risk to veterinarians and others in close contact with infected animals.

How is leptospirosis transmitted?

Leptospirosis can be transmitted through direct contact with contaminated animal urine or other body fluids, as well as through indirect contact with contaminated water or soil. The bacteria can enter the body through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin.

What is the role of different species in the transmission of leptospirosis?

Certain animals, such as rodents, cats, and dogs, can serve as reservoirs for leptospirosis, meaning they carry the bacteria without developing the disease but can spread it through their urine. When other animals or humans come into contact with this urine, they can develop the disease.

What organs are primarily affected by leptospirosis in animals?

Leptospirosis primarily affects the liver, kidneys, and lungs in animals. It can cause severe damage to these organs, leading to conditions like acute kidney failure, hepatitis, and pulmonary hemorrhaging.

What are the typical clinical signs of leptospirosis in animals?

Typical signs of leptospirosis include fever, weakness, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice (particularly hepatic), respiratory distress, and signs of kidney failure such as oliguria (reduced urine production).

What laboratory findings are commonly associated with leptospirosis?

Common laboratory findings include mild anemia, leukocytosis (elevated white blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), liver enzyme elevation (ALT, alkaline phosphatase), and azotemia (elevated creatinine, indicating kidney dysfunction).

What is the first-line treatment for leptospirosis, and why?

Doxycycline is the first-line treatment for leptospirosis because it effectively targets both the circulating leptospirosis bacteria in the bloodstream and those present in the urinary tract of infected animals.

How can leptospirosis be diagnosed in animals?

Leptospirosis can be diagnosed through various methods, including PCR tests, serological tests (such as agglutination or ELISA), and examination of urine samples. PCR is the most reliable test, especially in the early stages of infection.

What is the prognosis for animals infected with leptospirosis?

The prognosis for animals with leptospirosis can be poor, particularly if they develop severe liver or kidney damage. However, with prompt treatment, some animals may recover. Surviving animals may suffer long-term kidney issues and should be monitored over time.