Leptospirosis in Dogs, Cattle & Buffalo

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. Infected animals, especially rats, pass the bacteria in their urine. The bacteria survive for a long time in wet soil and water, so cases often rise in the rainy season. Dogs, cows and buffaloes catch it through cuts in the skin or through the mouth, nose and eyes.

In dogs, leptospirosis can damage the kidneys and liver, and some dogs bleed or struggle to breathe. In cows and buffaloes it is often mild or hidden, but it can cause abortion, weak calves, poor fertility and a sudden drop in milk. Young calves can become seriously ill.

Leptospirosis can pass to people. Wear gloves when handling urine, sick animals, aborted calves or samples, wash your hands well, and see a doctor if you feel unwell.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Fever, tiredness and poor appetite
• Vomiting, belly pain or stiff muscles in dogs
• Drinking more, or passing more or less urine
• Yellow eyes, gums or skin
• Abortion, stillbirth or weak calves in cows and buffaloes
• A sudden fall in milk, with thick or blood-stained milk

Some animals look healthy but still pass the bacteria in urine.

Which lab tests help

The Leptospira RT-PCR looks for the bacteria's genetic material, in blood early in the illness and in urine later. Your vet may choose to collect samples before starting antibiotics, because these make the bacteria harder to find.

The Leptospira MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test) (MAT) is the reference antibody test. Antibodies take some days to appear, so an early sample can be negative, and your vet may ask for a second sample a few weeks later to look for a rising level. The Leptospira IgM / IgG ELISA is another antibody test, and the Canine Leptospira (Rapid Test) is a quick kit for dogs. Vaccination can also raise antibodies, so tell your vet about past vaccines.

The Kidney Function Test (KFT), Liver Function Test (LFT) and Urine Routine show how the kidneys and liver are coping. For abortions in cows and buffaloes, the Abortion Investigation Panel for Cattle & Buffalo looks at several common causes together; the exact list is confirmed when you book, and many abortions stay unexplained.

A registered veterinarian reads each result with the animal's signs and history.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if a dog has fever, vomiting, yellow gums or changes in urine, especially after contact with dirty water or rats. A dog that stops passing urine, bleeds or struggles to breathe needs a vet the same day. Farmers who see abortions, weak calves or a sudden fall in milk in several animals should tell their veterinarian or the animal husbandry department. Ask your vet about vaccination and prevention.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, and sample collection is free anywhere in Bhopal. Farmers and dog owners in other districts can send samples by courier, by bus parcel or through their local vet; call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 first. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports come on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.