Vol. 8, Special Issue 4 (2023)

Canine leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease with a worldwide distribution caused by motile spirochete belonging to the genus Leptospira involving rodents as the most important reservoir host. Generally, dogs get infected through direct contact with mucous membranes or broken skin with the urine of infected animals and indirect contact via contaminated soil or surface water. Infected animals exhibit various non-specific symptoms such as fever, vomiting, icterus, diarrhoea, haematuria, dyspnoea, uveitis, and abortions. Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) is the most acceptable diagnostic technique and is considered the gold standard test for the diagnosis of leptospirosis. The recommended antibiotic therapy for dogs showing clinical signs of leptospirosis is Penicillin or Tetracycline derivatives such as Ampicillin or Doxycycline. Accurate early diagnosis and treatment of affected dogs with a suitable therapeutic regimen coupled with periodical vaccination of healthy dogs with inactivated leptospiral vaccines are highly recommended for efficient control and prevention of canine leptospirosis.