Leptospira interrogans serovar grippotyphosa infection in dogs

Leptospirosis attributed to infection with serovar grippotyphosa was diagnosed in 11 dogs. In naturally and experimentally infected dogs, a stereotypic serologic response to infection with Leptospira serovar grippotyphosa was detected. Although the highest serum antibody titers developed against serovar grippotyphosa, most dogs also had lower titers against serovars bratislava and pomona. Acute renal failure was evident in 10 dogs. One dog died prior to initiation of treatment; the remaining 10 dogs were treated with antibiotics and fluids. Two dogs were euthanatized, 2 dogs recovered without clinical or biochemical evidence of residual renal dysfunction, and 6 dogs recovered but had varying degrees of renal insufficiency. Hepatic involvement appeared to be a minor component of the disease in these dogs. Our results indicate that Leptospira serovar grippotyphosa infection is an important problem in dogs and should be considered when evaluating a dog with renal failure.