Prater 23451568 1
VET224 Research Project
Lindsay Prater
Student Number 23451568
11/22/2025
,Prater 23451568 2
VET224 Research Project
Pathology, the study of disease, is a large part of veterinary medicine. It provides vital
information for not only veterinarians, but technicians and other support staff as well.
Knowledge of diseases and the related processes are crucial to providing great care to all
patients, educating clients on home care for their animal, and keeping everyone involved safe. In
veterinary medicine, there are many different diseases that are studied and treated across every
species possible. These diseases can also have potential to infect humans as well, known as
zoonosis. Diseases can be infectious, parasitic, congenital, immune, neoplastic, metabolic, toxic
and degenerative.
Infectious diseases are a common cause of illness in veterinary medicine. “Infectious
diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungal organisms that are able to enter the body,
multiply and cause infections,” (University of Pennsylvania, 2025). Leptospirosis and Feline
Leukemia Virus are both prime examples of infectious diseases in veterinary medicine.
Leptospirosis, also referred to as just Lepto, is an infectious disease often seen in dogs.
“Leptospirosis, a bacterial zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution, is caused by
spirochetes of the genus Leptospira,” (Guerra, 2009). In 2009, Guerra also states that the
spirochetes were found in more than 180 animal species, which attests to the contagion power of
this disease. Transmission occurs via exposure to fresh urine or leptospires in the environment,
which can survive for years given the proper conditions.
Leptospirosis causes clinical/subclinical signs, along with secondary diseases that affect
multiple organ systems. These signs can vary depending on multiple factors. “In dogs, clinical
signs of leptospirosis may vary depending on the age and immunologic status of the animal and
, Prater 23451568 3
on the serovar of the leptospire,” (Guerra, 2009). Early signs can include vomiting, stiffness,
fever and dehydration just like many other disease processes. If the infection is subclinical,
depression, anorexia, congestion, and sneezing may be present. Most dogs do not get a diagnosis
just based off of early clinical signs. By the time they are diagnosed, they are chronically ill.
Guerra states that dogs who are chronically infected show signs of weight loss, polydipsia
(increased drinking), polyuria (increased urination) and vomiting associated with renal
insufficiency; hepatic dysfunction may also be present, causing icterus if mild and ascites or
encephalopathy if severe (2009). Lepto can have secondary diseases that accompany it. While
infrequent, dogs infected with leptospirosis may develop uveitis or meningitis (Guerra, 2009).
Diagnostic tests are valuable for diagnosis and appropriate treatment of leptospirosis.
Bloodwork is a key diagnostic tool for this disease. A serum chemistry can evaluate for renal and
hepatic dysfunction, while a complete blood count can check for white blood cell abnormalities.
Other testing is available for diagnosis as well. “Serologic detection of anti-Leptospira
antibodies or identification of the leptospires by use of PCR assays or bacterial culture,” (Guerra,
2009) are some diagnostic methods used in dogs. Newer tests have been developed for diagnosis
of Leptospirosis as well. These tests, known as ELISA tests are used for easy screening, but
cannot determine the exact leptospire causing the infection (Guerra, 2009). ELISA testing is a
valuable testing method for many diseases, which can be beneficial for general practice.
Treatment of leptospirosis ranges based on severity and clinical signs. Penicillin
derivatives are the first line of defense, seeing as they affect duration of disease and can prevent
permanent kidney and liver damage if started early in the disease process (Guerra, 2009). This
treatment can coincide with other therapies depending on clinical signs present. “Supportive
fluid therapy is essential to correct dehydration while the concurrent liver or kidney problems are
VET224 Research Project
Lindsay Prater
Student Number 23451568
11/22/2025
,Prater 23451568 2
VET224 Research Project
Pathology, the study of disease, is a large part of veterinary medicine. It provides vital
information for not only veterinarians, but technicians and other support staff as well.
Knowledge of diseases and the related processes are crucial to providing great care to all
patients, educating clients on home care for their animal, and keeping everyone involved safe. In
veterinary medicine, there are many different diseases that are studied and treated across every
species possible. These diseases can also have potential to infect humans as well, known as
zoonosis. Diseases can be infectious, parasitic, congenital, immune, neoplastic, metabolic, toxic
and degenerative.
Infectious diseases are a common cause of illness in veterinary medicine. “Infectious
diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungal organisms that are able to enter the body,
multiply and cause infections,” (University of Pennsylvania, 2025). Leptospirosis and Feline
Leukemia Virus are both prime examples of infectious diseases in veterinary medicine.
Leptospirosis, also referred to as just Lepto, is an infectious disease often seen in dogs.
“Leptospirosis, a bacterial zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution, is caused by
spirochetes of the genus Leptospira,” (Guerra, 2009). In 2009, Guerra also states that the
spirochetes were found in more than 180 animal species, which attests to the contagion power of
this disease. Transmission occurs via exposure to fresh urine or leptospires in the environment,
which can survive for years given the proper conditions.
Leptospirosis causes clinical/subclinical signs, along with secondary diseases that affect
multiple organ systems. These signs can vary depending on multiple factors. “In dogs, clinical
signs of leptospirosis may vary depending on the age and immunologic status of the animal and
, Prater 23451568 3
on the serovar of the leptospire,” (Guerra, 2009). Early signs can include vomiting, stiffness,
fever and dehydration just like many other disease processes. If the infection is subclinical,
depression, anorexia, congestion, and sneezing may be present. Most dogs do not get a diagnosis
just based off of early clinical signs. By the time they are diagnosed, they are chronically ill.
Guerra states that dogs who are chronically infected show signs of weight loss, polydipsia
(increased drinking), polyuria (increased urination) and vomiting associated with renal
insufficiency; hepatic dysfunction may also be present, causing icterus if mild and ascites or
encephalopathy if severe (2009). Lepto can have secondary diseases that accompany it. While
infrequent, dogs infected with leptospirosis may develop uveitis or meningitis (Guerra, 2009).
Diagnostic tests are valuable for diagnosis and appropriate treatment of leptospirosis.
Bloodwork is a key diagnostic tool for this disease. A serum chemistry can evaluate for renal and
hepatic dysfunction, while a complete blood count can check for white blood cell abnormalities.
Other testing is available for diagnosis as well. “Serologic detection of anti-Leptospira
antibodies or identification of the leptospires by use of PCR assays or bacterial culture,” (Guerra,
2009) are some diagnostic methods used in dogs. Newer tests have been developed for diagnosis
of Leptospirosis as well. These tests, known as ELISA tests are used for easy screening, but
cannot determine the exact leptospire causing the infection (Guerra, 2009). ELISA testing is a
valuable testing method for many diseases, which can be beneficial for general practice.
Treatment of leptospirosis ranges based on severity and clinical signs. Penicillin
derivatives are the first line of defense, seeing as they affect duration of disease and can prevent
permanent kidney and liver damage if started early in the disease process (Guerra, 2009). This
treatment can coincide with other therapies depending on clinical signs present. “Supportive
fluid therapy is essential to correct dehydration while the concurrent liver or kidney problems are
