27/08/2022
相信最近西貢都有一個區端螺旋體病毒小規模爆發嘅情況，各位主人要多加留意，因為呢個病感染能力高而且可以喺短時間之內令動物死亡！！

【CityU VMC Vet Tips – Common Emergency Situation in Summer – Leptospirosis (2)】
As mentioned before, the initial symptoms of leptospirosis can be similar to those of ordinary gastroenteritis. If a dog is suspected of being infected, please seek medical advice immediately. Leptospirosis can be challenging to diagnose definitively and multiple diagnostic tests will be needed to aid in diagnosing the disease.
The doctor will collect blood for a comprehensive blood panel (to assess for liver and kidney dysfunction, among other things) and collect urine for urinalysis and a PCR test, which specifically checks for Leptospira bacteria. An abdominal ultrasound may be recommended to help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms that are present. Early detection of the disease and intensive medical therapy will give your dog a better chance of survival.
Incubation period
The incubation period is usually 5 to 14 days, with a range of 2 to 30 days.
Management
Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics to kill the Leptospira bacteria
Intensive medical treatment may also be required if your dog develops kidney failure or liver dysfunction
Prevention
Vaccination - There are two types of leptospirosis vaccination available. One forms part of the annual DHPPiL combination vaccine that all dogs receive, this protects against 2 serovars (types) of Leptospira bacteria. It is ineffective as a preventative treatment against the other serovars of Leptospira found in Hong Kong. The other current leptospirosis vaccination in Hong Kong is called Leptovax 4, which protects against 4 different serovars of leptospirosis. Upon receiving the vaccine, dogs will develop antibodies to the Leptospira bacteria, which will boost an immune response during infection. It is possible for dogs who have received the leptovax 4 to still contract the disease, however they will have a better chance of fighting the infection than non-immunized dogs.
Avoid contact with fresh water, soil and vegetation that might be contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rodents. Never touch a dead animal with bare hands or allow your dog to come into contact with it.
Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil.
Wear appropriate protective clothing and footwear when participating in recreational or work activities that might result in contact with contaminated soil or water.
Perform hand hygiene frequently. Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling pets or animals, and disinfect contaminated areas.
Do not allow your dog to drink from or play in natural water sources. Take bottled water on walks to ensure your dog still has access to drinking water
People can contract the disease via exposure to water sources, such as rivers, ponds or lakes that are contaminated with the urine of infected animals, therefore avoid swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water.
Eliminate rodents and keep the community and home environment clean
【城大獸醫|提提你 夏季常見緊急情況——鉤端螺旋體病（二）】
承接上回，鉤端螺旋體病初期的病徵可能與普通的腸胃炎相若，懷疑狗狗感染此病，請即求診。要明確診斷出鉤端螺旋體病甚具挑戰性，需要作多種診斷測試來幫助確診該疾病。醫生將收集血液以進行全面的血液檢查（以評估肝腎功能障礙等），並收集尿液進行尿液分析和專門檢查鉤端螺旋體細菌的PCR 測試。亦可能會建議進行腹部超聲波檢查，以幫助排除出現症狀的其他可能原因。及早診斷，深入治療，存活機會愈高。
潛伏期
潛伏期為2至30天，一般約5至14天。
治理方法
鉤端螺旋體病可以使用抗生素治療以殺死鉤端螺旋體細菌。如你的狗出現腎功能衰竭或肝功能障礙，也可能需要進行密集式治療。
預防方法
疫苗接種。現時有兩種預防鉤端螺旋體病的疫苗。其中一種已包括在狗隻每年接種的DHPPiL混合疫苗內，它可以防止鉤端螺旋體細菌的2種血清型（類型）。對於其他在香港發現的鉤端螺旋體病血清型則無效。另一種鉤端螺旋體病疫苗名為Leptovax 4，能預防4種不同血清型的鉤端螺旋體病。
狗隻在接種此疫苗後，身體會產生對鉤端螺旋體病菌的抗體，這能增強感染期間的免疫反應。接受了leptovax 4 的狗隻仍有可能受病菌感染，但與未接種疫苗的狗隻相比，它們成功痊癒的機會較大。
避免接觸可能受感染動物（尤其是齧齒動物）尿液污染的淡水、土壤和植物。切勿用雙手直接接觸已死亡的動物，或容許你的狗有接觸。
接觸受污染的水或土壤後應盡快清洗或淋浴。
在可能受污染的土壤或水中進行消遣活動或工作時，應穿上適當的保護衣及靴。
經常保持雙手清潔。接觸寵物或動物後，要立即用梘液和清水洗手，而受污染的地方應進行消毒。
不要讓你的狗隻在天然水源中飲水或玩耍。散步時帶備瓶裝水供他們隨時飲用。
人們可以通過接觸被感染動物尿液污染的水源，如河流、池塘或湖泊而感染疾病，因此避免在可能被污染的水中游泳或涉水。
滅鼠，保持社區及居家環境清潔。
