×

Hey guys! Unfortunately, we are having to make some changes to our normal schedule due to our current staffing situation, and we just wanted to give everyone a head’s up

*We will be closed on all Saturdays in June.
*We will have someone in the office to process boarding drop-offs and pick-ups from 9:00am – 10:00am only on those Saturdays, but we will not be doing any veterinary services or walk-in technician services. No one will be available to answer phones.
*We will be closing early on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 5:30pm**
*We are not doing daycare on Mondays or Fridays, and limited daycare Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (only 15 daycare patients).
*We will not be doing any baths until further notice!
*Our front office is extremely short staffed. To avoid wait times on phone calls, we would recommend reaching out via text or email. You can text us at 865-401-9966 or email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
*If you have any emergencies, contact the Animal Emergency and Specialty Center at 865-693-4440 or The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine at 865-974-8387
*This is all temporary!! We know and understand that this is inconvenient!! We really appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as we navigate this unique situation. We are doing the best for our clients/patients as well as our staff!
Thank you all for being patient and working with us!

Close
Bluegrass Animal Hospital

(865) 694-8387

Menu
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Careers
    • COVID-19 Response
    • Our App
  • Conditions Treated
    • Itchy Skin & Ear infection
    • Kidney Failure in Cats
    • Kidney Failure in Dogs
    • Pet Diabetes
    • Pet Eye Infections
    • Asthma
    • Arthritis in Pets
      • Pet Arthritis FAQs
  • Services
    • Pet Dehydration and Heatstroke
    • Pet Grooming
    • Boarding, Bathing & Grooming
      • Boarding FAQs
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Boarding, Bathing and Grooming Requirements
      • Boarding Rates
    • Comprehensive Veterinary Care
    • Coughing & Sneezing
    • Core Canine and Feline Vaccinations
    • Dental Care
      • Pet Dental Care FAQs
    • Dermatology
    • Digital Radiography
    • Digital Ultrasound
    • End of Life Services
    • Eye Injuries in Pets
    • Flea and Tick Prevention
    • Heartworm Prevention
    • Hospital Laboratory
    • Housecall Services
    • Laser Therapy
    • Microchipping
      • Microchipping FAQs
    • Orthopedics
    • Parasite Control
    • Pet Allergy Relief
    • Pet Eye Infections FAQ
    • Pet Emergencies FAQs
    • Pet Nutritional Counseling
    • Pet Parasite Prevention
    • Pet Surgery
      • Spay & Neuter
      • Spay and Neuter FAQS
    • Parassite Contol
    • Pet Vaccinations
    • Pet Wellness Exams
    • Senior Pet Care
    • Ultrasound
    • Vomit and Diarrhea
      • Why Is My Dog Vomiting?
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Pet Dangers
      • Behavior & Training
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • AirVet - Virtual Pet Care
  • Blog
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Pet Health >
  • Diseases and Viruses >
  • Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis

  • Created in Pet Health, Diseases and Viruses, Pet Health

leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a serious, life-threatening disease caused by a spiral shaped bacteria. Dogs, cats, other animals and even people can be infected through exposure to urine, bite wounds, ingestion of infected flesh, or contact with contaminated soil, water and even bedding. Certain environmental conditions can favor the bacteria: standing water, rain, floods and warm moist weather. Pets living under these conditions, especially those who live primarily outdoors or are used for activities like hunting or herding are at a higher risk of being infected. The bacteria can quickly spread through the body causing symptoms like fever, joint pain, excessive drinking and general malaise. Eventually the bacteria settle in the kidneys or liver where it rapidly multiplies leading to organ inflammation, organ failure and possibly death.

People infected with Leptospirosis show the same symptoms as pets: fever, joint pain, excessive drinking and general malaise. Most often people contract the disease when their mucous membranes or open wounds come into contact with the urine or other bodily fluids of an infected animal.

Repeated blood tests 2 to 4 weeks apart are recommended for diagnosis. This test detects the presence of antibodies the body produces after being exposed to the disease. Recent vaccination against leptospirosis can make diagnosis difficult as vaccines stimulate the body to create similar antibodies. New technology has made rapid tests available and sometimes urine can be used although this test is less sensitive. Samples of kidney tissue can be used but this is rarely done due to the need of an invasive procedure.

Fortunately, leptospirosis can be treated with a combination of antibiotics. If kidney function becomes seriously impaired, patients may need kidney dialysis; some patients need this only temporarily while others will need it for life.

Supportive care is crucial for pets that become extremely debilitated by the disease. Intravenous fluids help maintain blood flow through the damaged organs. Special precautions should be observed when cleaning up any urine or bodily fluids from an infected patient.

Leptospirosis is a zoonzotic disease and vaccinations are available. Unfortunately the leptospirosis vaccine has been linked to a high level of vaccine reactions and while reducing the severity of a dog's illness will not prevent them from becoming carriers of the disease. Therefore this vaccine is given only when deemed necessary after consultation with your veterinarian.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Pet Dangers
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
  • Make an Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

Office Hours

Monday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Connect With Us

Location

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map