What Is Spirochetes Bacteria in Dogs?

Spirochetes bacteria causes an array of illnesses in your dog. He may suffer from diarrhea and feel lethargic. If left untreated, spirochetes infections can be fatal to your canine companion. He may contract this bug from drinking infested water, eating infested food or by coming in contact with a sick animal. Take your dog to your veterinarian immediately if you notice a difference in his behavior, eating problems or issues with relieving himself. Your vet will need to run a blood test and may need to put your pooch on medication.

  1. Symptoms

    • Spirochetes bacteria causes illnesses such as Lyme disease and leptospirosis, depending on the strain of bacteria. Each bacteria is shaped like a corkscrew and burrows into your pooch's skin. From there, spirochetes bacteria enter the bloodstream. This bacteria attacks your dog's gastrointestinal tract and weakens his immune system. Early warning signs include lethargy, sore muscles and the inability to move. As the infection worsens, Fido may become weaker, start throwing up and have diarrhea. You may also notice coughing, sporadic breathing and an irregular heartbeat. In advanced stages, spirochetes bacterial infections affect the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure. In this stage, your dog may be drinking large amounts of water, but he probably will have a hard time urinating.

    Transmission

    • Spirochetes bacterial infections are highly contagious. The bacteria can easily be transferred from animal to animal, insect to animal, animal to human or insect to human. Since it spreads easily, keep away loved ones with weakened immune systems, such as children, elderly parents or pregnant women. Handle your dog carefully and wear rubber gloves to minimize transmission. Isolate your pooch from other animals until the infection clears up.

    Diagnosis

    • Notify your veterinarian if you suspect an infection prior to arriving at the office. This way, the office staff can take proper precautions to keep other animals in the office safe. Your vet will probably want to run a urinalysis as well as a blood panel to evaluate the strain of bacteria and the functionality of your dog's immune system. Collect a stool sample to take to your veterinarian, if possible. Bringing in a stool sample gives your vet an additional substance to evaluate and can be especially helpful in getting the correct diagnosis.

    Treatment

    • Treatments vary depending on the severity of your dog's symptoms. Your pooch can easily become dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea. Medications to alleviate vomiting may be one of the first steps from your veterinarian. If your dog is severely dehydrated, the vet may also put him on intravenous fluids, or an IV. In severe cases of hemorrhaging, your dog may need a blood transfusion and hospital care. Additionally, your vet will probably put your dog on antibiotics to ward off the spirochetes bacterial infection. As your dog is recouping, your veterinarian might suggest feeding him a mild diet until his gastrointestinal tract fully recovers.