There are some cases of disease that can affect both humans and our pets.
Some are zoonotic, meaning they can spread from non-human to humans, and some are just opportunistic between hosts. So this month, let’s take a look at three illnesses that are readily found in the environment in Ontario that can affect our furry friends, but can also infect us.
I’ve seen many posts about blastomycosis across social media, especially in the Manitoulin and Panache areas. It is not new to the area, but perhaps not something everyone is aware of.
Blastomycosis is a fungal infection that affects many species, but most commonly dogs and sometimes cats and humans. It is found in soil and organic matter (think decaying leaves, sticks/logs etc.) Infection occurs when the spores are inhaled.
Respiratory infection is the most common, however it can spread through the blood and lymphatic systems to other organs such as the eyes, brain, joints and skin.
Incubation can be between five and 12 weeks. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, cough and low-grade fever. It is not contagious between dogs/humans as the spores are required to be infectious.
Diagnosis can be a little tricky. A full work up is recommended, and blood profile and radiographs can certainly be suggestive. However, definitive diagnosis requires a urine antigen test that can take one to two weeks to come back. Treatment with an anti-fungal can be curative, with a reported recovery rate of 50-75 per cent.
Leptospirosis, on the other hand, is a bacterial infection, and is considered to be the most widespread zoonotic disease with one million human infections annually and 60,000 deaths globally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control states.
In Ontario, there are quite a few cases reported in the Peterborough area and south. We do see cases in Northern Ontario, but it is thankfully rare for the moment.
Leptospirosis is found in a host, such as deer, raccoon or rodents, for example, in which it does not cause clinical disease, but they will constantly shed the bacteria in their urine, which infects the environment. Dogs and humans can develop incidental disease, which is usually sub-clinical, but can develop into fulminate disease.
Signs are usually non specific: lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, increased urination, fever, which can progress to acute kidney injury and possibly liver dysfunction.
Diagnosis requires blood and urine titre testing, usually two to seven days apart to indicate a rising titre (antibody level, indicating infection).
It can be treated with antibiotics, but there is a risk of permanent kidney and liver dysfunction. During treatment both the veterinary staff and owners need to take precautions as to not infect themselves as the bacteria will be shed in the pets urine during treatment.
On the plus side, there is aleptospirosis vaccination available for dogs, which is something I highly recommend to anyone who takes their dog outside. It’s not just for the bush walkers. Raccoons are everywhere!
Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria is most often seen on signs on public beaches, warning bathers to stay out of the water when a bloom is seen. However, it’s not the algae itself that is dangerous; it is the toxins they release into the water, which can cause severe illness very quickly.
Blooms can be seen in any type of water (oceans, rivers, lakes, even puddles). They typically have a “pea soup” appearance, but can change the water from deep green to even red or pink.
Symptoms range from skin irritation (most common in humans) to liver or neurological signs. Even small exposures can be very toxic. There is no treatment available, only aggressive supportive care for 48 hours until the toxins are cleared from the body.
Unfortunately, prognosis is not good, especially for those with neurological symptoms. Avoidance is key.
I hope with all this information I haven’t scared you from having outdoor fun with your pets. I look sideways at Einstein every time he coughs (and he coughs frequently these days, he’s got an old man cough).
Just because these diseases are out there, doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the outdoors, Blastomycosis affects just 0.2-2 per cent of dogs in endemic areas. There are treatments available, but early detection, knowing the signs and your travel history and seeing your veterinarian are key.
Dr. Courtney Andrews is a veterinarian at Lockerby Animal Hospital, a graduate of the Royal School of Veterinary Studies and dog mom to Argyll and Einstein. Animals & Pets is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
