EP 471: Leptospirosis in Dogs & Cats – Diagnosis, Zoonosis, and Clinical Management

In Episode 471 of the Pet Care Partners Podcast, we dive into Leptospirosis, a globally significant zoonotic disease that affects both canines and occasionally felines. From acute kidney and liver failure to chronic shedding and public health risks, this episode is essential listening for all veterinary professionals. 🦠 What You’ll Learn: 🔬 Pathogenesis and transmission of Leptospira spp. 🐾 Risk factors in dogs (hiking, water exposure, rodents) and rare presentations in cats 📋 Clinical signs: • AKI ± hepatic dysfunction • Fever, vomiting, muscle pain, jaundice, PU/PD 🔍 Diagnostic tools: • Microscopic agglutination test (MAT) • PCR testing • Serology vs shedding – when and what to test 💉 Treatment protocols: • Doxycycline, ampicillin, fluid therapy • Isolation and zoonotic precautions • Importance of vaccination 🧫 Zoonosis prevention for veterinary staff and pet owners 📌 Who This Episode Is For: ✔ Veterinary students preparing for infectious disease exams ✔ NAVLE candidates needing leptospirosis clarity ✔ Practicing DVMs facing cases with vague febrile illness ✔ ER and ICU veterinarians managing multi-organ dysfunction ✔ Veterinary nurses and techs handling infectious cases ✔ Public health-conscious clinics and pet owners 🛡️ Public Health Focus: Learn how leptospirosis affects both animals and humans, and why client education, biosecurity, and vaccination protocols are critical in both urban and rural practice. #Leptospirosis #ZoonoticDiseases #VeterinaryPodcast #PetCarePartners #VetStudents #NAVLEPrep #InfectiousDiseases #Doxycycline #CanineLepto #FelineLeptospirosis #VetMedicine #VetMedPodcast #AKI #LiverFailurePets #ZoonosisPrevention #VetClinics #PublicHealth #ContagiousDiseases #UrinaryShedding #VeterinaryInfectiousDisease #VetEducation #DogHealth #VetTechLife #LeptoVaccine #PetSafety #AnimalHealth