A rare but potentially fatal case of leptospirosis in the region has prompted one local family to speak out, warning other dog owners to be aware of the symptoms of the serious disease.
While cases remain uncommon, particularly on the Northern Beaches, veterinarians say that is precisely why each diagnosis is concerning.
“It is not common, especially in the north shore area, which is why it is kind of a big deal to see a case,” said Dr Stephanie Leeder from SASH.
Leptospirosis, commonly known as “lepto”, is a bacterial infection that can affect both animals and humans.
It is most often seen in dogs, while cases in cats are rare.
If left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.
For the Murphy family, the disease became a frightening reality when their three-year-old Groodle, Groot, fell suddenly ill last month.
“Groot just got really lethargic, very sick and just not himself,” Sarah Murphy said.
“We could not get him up off the floor.”
Groot was first taken to his local veterinarian before being referred to SASH (Small Animal Specialist Hospital) in Balgowlah, where he remained for almost a week.
As his initial symptoms were vague and did not immediately suggest lepto, Groot underwent extensive testing, including numerous blood tests and a full body scan.
Veterinarians initially worked to rule out conditions such as cancer and meningitis.
“The kidneys are usually affected quite soon in pets, whereas his kidneys did not get affected until right at the end,” Mrs Murphy said.
The Murphy’s had recently relocated from New Zealand to Melbourne and then to Mosman.
They said they were unaware of lepto and its presence in parts of NSW.
Lepto is spread through the urine of infected animals, including rats, cattle and dogs.
Infection occurs when broken skin, cuts or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth, come into contact with contaminated urine, soil or water.
The risk can increase after periods of heavy rain or flooding.
Dogs are particularly susceptible because they spend time sniffing the ground and may drink from puddles, stagnant water or outdoor bowls.
Although the Murphys cannot say with certainty how Groot contracted the disease, they suspect it may have been through his outdoor water bowl.
“Our best hypothesis is his dog bowl sits outside, and it is probably not changed every day.
“It is just changed when it needs to be, but nothing really stands out,” Mrs Murphy said.
“He is not really one to drink puddles or go and drink from a lake or anything like that.”
The family now change Groot’s water twice daily and are more vigilant about potential exposure to rodents.
“We are just a bit more cautious now,” Mrs Murphy said.
Dr Leeder advised dog owners to avoid areas known to be contaminated with rodents and to address any rodent problems around their homes.
“Any place that rodents and rats have been, where they may have urinated and that a dog has his nose in there, that is one of the most common exposures,” she said.
“Also being in stagnant waterways.”
While the exact number of cases in the past year is unclear, Dr Leeder said numbers remain low.
However, she cautioned that mortality rates can be high if treatment is delayed.
“When we first started seeing it in the Sydney region, it was mostly in the inner city, and now we are starting to see it spread a little bit from there,” she said.
“There is a vaccination for leptospirosis, so talk to your general practice vet about that.”
One of the challenges, veterinarians say, is that symptoms are often non-specific and can resemble other illnesses.
“Dogs that are acutely really lethargic, not wanting to eat, sometimes increase drinking and urination, because when kidneys are damaged, you make extra urine,” Dr Leeder said.
Dog owners are urged to seek veterinary advice promptly if their pet shows signs such as:
- Fever
- Excessive water consumption
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Inappetence
- Severe weakness and depression
- Severe muscle pain and stiffness
