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16 December

Using Decarbonization for Energy-Efficient Cattle Production

adminAnimal Health, Learning and Development, TechnologyNo Comments

The state of our globe is deteriorating – suffocating at the hands of our consumption-based society and pollution-heavy industries. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world is now in extraordinarily dangerous territory. The U.S. temperatures have been rising by twice their previous rates since the 1980s, leaving the emerging generation miring in disillusionment. In these conditions, the need for transformative action has never been greater. That’s where decarbonization comes in.

Why is Decarbonization important in Livestock Farms?

There is mounting pressure on commercial and large-scale pastoral communities due to the backlash over their contributions to the worsening climate conditions. Farmers are already facing the consequences of highly unpredictable weather and, recently, high costs due to cost-push inflation. Without the implementation of AI technology or the Internet of Things, farmers’ ability to foresee and attenuate potential threats may be severely crippled. Furthermore, certain breeds of cattle are more susceptible to rising average temperatures and may require additional facilities to help moderate their internal temperatures.

What is Decarbonization?

Decarbonization is a massive modern field that seeks to address the gigatons of carbon and other greenhouse gasses being released into the atmosphere every year. Also known as carbon management, it influences everything from electronic vehicles to newer forms of renewable energy. From Eco-wave power to kinetic energy generation, decarbonization is building a pathway to a sustainable future. 

There are three main strategies involved in the decarbonization process:

  1. Reducing or avoiding annual carbon emissions
  2. Using renewable energy to supplement or substitute fossil fuels
  3. Sequestering or offshoring carbon

Climate Mitigation through Energy Efficiency

The value of energy efficiency began to be truly appreciated in the 1970s when it was found to be responsible for a 60-75% increase in energy production across the U.S. Nowadays, the perpetual state of the Russian war on Ukraine is placing an increasing emphasis on the advancement of such technologies. And this has translated into alternatives applicable to every field, including Agriculture.

Idling machinery is said to use up to 20% of total fuel. Heat pumps simply transfer heat from the outside of the vehicle to the inside. These actually provide more energy than the battery produces, making it quite energy efficient. This is especially workable in the lower states, as the temperatures don’t plummet as extremely there during the winter months. Regular maintenance can also improve the machine’s longevity while simultaneously saving fuel.

Field-driven equipment is actually one of the biggest causes of environmental concern. Livestock farms host a variety of such vehicles, such as trucks, all-terrain, and utility-terrain vehicles (ATVs & UTVs). Using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel, which contains less than 15 ppm of sulfur, reduces the emission of sulfur dioxide. Advanced emission control devices can dampen the levels of hydrocarbon, nitrous oxide, and particulate matter discharged.

Housing facilities and barns can also be easily improved by creating natural ventilation pathways and insulation. Instead of expensive industrial heating or ventilation systems, belts of trees planted on the windward side of the building can act as a buffer against the draft and cold winds. The use of compact fluorescent lighting can additionally lighten the energy load.

All these methods do come under Precision Livestock Farming and in fact, the benefits of full implementation of PLF are game-changing.

Renewable Energy Usage

Between 2015 and 2018 the number of cities sourcing more than 70% of their energy from renewable sources went up from 42 to 100. The momentum of sustainability adoption is steadily accelerating, as showcased further by Greece’s landmark achievement last month. In October, Greece’s entire electrical grid was carried by a myriad of renewable energy sources. The scope of these and other alternatives are constantly being researched, from wave-powered energy-producing floaters to thermoelectric generators embedded into roads.

What is there, then, to stop cattle ranches from upping their game to keep up with the overwhelming advances? It doesn’t make sense to look at every single possibility that a farm can implement because the profits of primary producers are limited anyway. Let’s instead look at the most feasible options which ranges can switch to.

Solar Farms

Overall, solar energy is ideal for livestock farms. The panels are, on average, at a 7-foot elevation and do not hinder the grazing or severely obstruct the pathways of cattle. Poultry and micro-livestock like rabbits and small pigs need a combination of sunlight and shade to lower the internal temperature. It is even beneficial for larger mammals to have a source of shade mid-grazing, for rest.

Based on the US’s ambitious goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, the share of land fueled by renewable energy would have to increase drastically [][1]. Meeting existing energy demand would require a further 240,000 square km of land, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, n.d. This could either be in direct conflict with future agricultural production or a huge opportunity for producers since 63% of the land in the lower 48 states is used for agricultural purposes.

When shale oil was discovered underneath American soil, mineral development and fuel production became a significant secondary income source for farm operators [][2]. In mid-2021, the payments in Pennsylvania and North Dakota averaged $150,000. This extensive and consistent option can be of massive value to smallholder farms, whose operation is strongly linked to off-farm sources of income.

Not only would the ranch be able to fuel its own energy consumption needs, but export the excess for a further profit, at very little cost to themselves besides initial costs.

Methane Converters

Enteric fermentation is a process by which animals’ digestive tracts produce methane, a potent GHG and air pollutant. While the emission of this gas can be reduced by genetic modification and feed management (via additives), there is also the potential to convert this ill into a gain. Anaerobic or methane digesters can decompose manure, wastewater, and other food slops into biogas, making it 34 times less potent. Biogas can act as a source of electricity, vehicle fuel, or renewable natural gas.

As we speak, sustainable energy solutions are in high demand and are being widely implemented. Given the expansive gains to be realized from these endeavors both in the long-term, it would be foolish to ignore the writing on the wall at this point.

Sequestering or Offshoring

Carbon sequestering refers to the storing of atmospheric GHGs in alternative sinks such as oceans, forests, geological formations, or the soil. It is a naturally occurring phenomenon but can be artificially sped up by securing the carbon in stabilized dissolved forms.

In the last decade, the adverse effects of cattle rearing and beef consumption have been hotly debated. Activists have criticized the livestock industry for the mass emission of methane gas which is 80 times as detrimental to the health of the globe as CO2. Cows have been painted as destructive environmental forces which denude the landscape and weigh on botanical biodiversity.

Conversely, however, it has been found that cattle rearing can help to rejuvenate the grasslands. When left uncovered, invasive weeds begin the land recolonization process within weeks. Cows graze on these destructive species and clear the path for good plant growth. These plants convert atmospheric CO2 into carbon-based compounds, such as sugars, organic acids, and vitamins in the soil. On cattle farms, the waste material washed off the central shed forms a slurry that is sprayed over the cleared land. This organic material, especially when mixed into compost, excellently promotes the fertility and microbial biodiversity of the soil. Soil aggregates with diminished diversity tend to be more sensitive to environmental changes. The slurry also acts as a substitute for chemical fertilizers, which release nitrous oxide (a powerful GHG). Hence, the soil at dairy farms has been found to hold dense amounts of carbon and have regular nutrient cycles.

The modifications required to stimulate such growth, such as pasture rotation or high-density cell grazing, are quite inexpensive and unobstructive. This type of holistic management can diminish the need for fertilizers and minimize soil exhaustion.

To Conclude

The conversations around carbon management are critical to the commitment of society to meeting the goals of our nation and those set forth in the Paris Accords. Every step and effort directed towards carbon neutrality, whether a change in mindset or systems, should be encouraged and facilitated.

Agriculture is a unique field in that it is both a contributor and a victim of the GHG effect on climate – both a cause and an effect. And unfortunately, there is no silver bullet to eliminate the emission levels entirely – not without additional time, labor, finance, and other alterations. Yet with nation-wide pressure on industries to adopt certain best practices, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the momentum of and the expectations around newer techniques.

Yet agriculture is a living dynamic system; hence it is difficult to determine the right balance of inputs to maximize productivity. Often farmers have spent decades perfecting a system that suits the needs of their herds; technology and change can therefore seem like more of a disruption than an enablement. It is important for policy makers to allow for a technology neutral approach, where commercial projects are given the independence to select the technology which is suitable to their developmental needs.

[1] (Larson et al, 2020, 1-345)

[2] (Hitaj and Suttles 2016, 1-47)

” Elianne Liong is a staff writer for Celeritas Digital.  She specializes in researching and publishing content related to a range of topics in the animal health and veterinary industry, including technology transformation, business processes, HR, data science, and advanced analytics. “

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    21 November

    Nanotechnology: A Massive Impact at the Molecular Level

    adminBig Data, Digital, Learning and Development, Life Sciences, TechnologyNo Comments

    The foundation of the human body lies in atoms, molecules, nanostructures, and macrostructures. Hence, our bodies rely on the functionality of components working at the nanoscale. Nanotechnology is simply the introduction of foreign nanomaterials to enhance the performance of those pre-existing components. In fact, being of a similar size facilitates their integration into biomedical devices. Anything measuring between 1 and 100 nanometers is considered to be within the nanotechnological range, though medical exceptions exist.

    The advantages of nanotechnology in the healthcare of animals and humans are almost limitless. As the bridge between micro and macroscopic structures, the quantum effect grants them novel chemical, biological, magnetic, optical, and electrical properties which have prompted extensive research over the last 30 years and resulted in further discoveries regarding their scope and capabilities. Nanoparticles (NPs) are not hindered by predetermined size, shape, or composition as they are adaptable and customizable. They have a large surface-to-volume ratio, which opens up possibilities for more reliable and reproducible chemical processes [1], and they can diffuse across membranes and assimilate into cells.  

    Uses of Nanotechnology in Human and Animal Health

    Given these capabilities, let us delve into the applications of nanotechnology in medical imaging, early diagnosis, biological sensors, drug delivery, therapeutics, tissue engineering, gene editing, and more.  

    Early Diagnosis

    Using today’s technology, infections take weeks and months to manifest externally. This allows for the prolific spread of the disease among entire herds, which consequently need to be exterminated.

    Smart devices include a miniature saliva-sampling device that senses the presence of disease in advance and notifies the appropriate staff or veterinarians to activate the treatment process [2]. Nanoscale methods, integrated with Artificial Intelligence, may be used as self-monitoring, and self-repairing materials and structures.

    Nanomaterials may be introduced to the body to act as immunostimulants, prompting an innate immune response, which enhances the immune system. This does, however, depend on the biocompatibility of the immune system to the nanomaterial.

    The development of nanotechnology has improved the sensitivity, localization, and multiplexity of diagnostic tests. Quantum Dots are semiconductor crystals with interesting attributes, such as tunable composition, high brightness, and immunity against photobleaching and blinking fluorescence signals [3]. The emission spectra of QDs are highly manipulable, making them ideal fluorescent probes for live cell imaging [4]. QDs can thus be used at both a cellular and sub-cellular level – for the visualization of intracellular components at the former, and integration with cells at the latter level.

    There are further environmental sensor systems that can be mounted on silicon chips to identify the biomarkers of multiple conditions such as tumors, heart disease, or localized infection and alert the relevant medical professional to these symptoms [5].

    Drug Delivery

    A regular issue with orally or intravenously administered chemotherapeutic drugs is their dissemination throughout the system. They only partially impact the target areas and have damaging side effects in adjacent regions. Drug delivery systems (DDS) are a promising solution that can bypass biochemical barriers within the body [6].

    In recent times, noble nanometals have increasingly captured the intrigue of researchers for their unique properties. Gold nanoparticles (AuNP), however, have been found to be the most stable and especially biocompatible [7] among these, possessing fascinating tunable and optical properties which lend themselves to an abundance of medical and biological applications.

    AuNPs are easily modifiable for the transport of drugs via covalent bonding. Findings show that AuNPs have been pivotal in the reduction of systemic drug toxicity and have lowered the development of resistance to cancer drugs [8]. Anti-tumor antibiotic, Doxorubicin, has proven especially efficacious against feline fibrosarcoma cell lines when non-covalently conjugated (bound) to AuNPs [9].

    Other metallic NPs can act as gene carriers, activating immune-related genes. This is a process of gene therapy, whereby a healthy gene is delivered to replace a damaged or mutated gene. This is valuable for curing acquired or genetic diseases. AuNPs coated in non-toxic biopolymers are highly active in the transmucosal delivery of insulin for diabetes treatment [10].

    Quantum dots also hold much promise based on their ease of conjugation to multiple drugs, the traceability associated with their optical properties, and the ultra-minute size of QD nanocarriers. The latter factor enables them to penetrate through the supportive tissue fluid around pancreatic tumors [11]. Currently, however, nano-liposomes are considered ideal for the delivery of drugs due to their biocompatibility and controlled flow through the bloodstream.

    Orally administered DNA particles combined with allergen-suppression biomolecules were successful in regulating the allergic reactions of mice exposed to a peanut-allergen gene [12]. This shows that nanotechnology has the potential for use in immunization against allergies.

    Therapeutics

    Magnetic nanoparticles have been used to prepare tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds for regenerative purposes. The unique electromagnetic properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have made them highly valuable in the transport of oligonucleotides into living Hela (immortal cervical cancer) cells. There, the NIR (near-infrared) radiation can overheat the single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), causing cell death. In vitro, the CNTs selectively entered and destroyed tumor cells and left normal cells unharmed [13]. This is known as photothermal therapy or thermal ablation and makes use of targeting recognition technology.

    Radiation therapy is another option that involves ionizing the cellular components and water in tumor cells. The electron production at the surface of metallic nanoparticles can accelerate the production of reactive oxygen species, which react with biological macromolecules to cause cell death or apoptosis.

    Cell and Tissue Restructuring, Engineering, and Regeneration

    Tissue Engineering (TE) is the external development of tissues or other bioproducts for the improvement or substitution of missing, infected, or damaged cells. Generally speaking, nanoparticles can be used to augment tissue regeneration, enhance the osseointegration procedure around prosthesis attachment, and reduce the infection rate surrounding the amputation.

    Scaffolds are biomaterial structures designed to support and guide cell growth, differentiation, and proliferation. As part of the tissue engineering triad, they are essential aspects of BTE. Scaffolds exhibited improved mechanical properties when composed of low concentrations of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) [14]. When applied to defective parietal bones of rabbits, hydrogels incorporating the GNP-and-gelatin hybrid scaffolds were found with augmented osteoblast proliferation rates as compared to the control group [15]. The role of osteoblasts is to improve the development and resorption of bones. Gold nanowires further positively impact key organ transplant functions – synapse formation and stem cell differentiation – all without using growth factors, which cause negative side effects.

    Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is used to enhance cell proliferation rates, particularly in cardiac tissue regeneration. Research has further uncovered that hydrogen bonds can be formed between TiO2, PVP, and type 1 collagen when the TiO2 nanoparticle is coated with PVP. This improves the tensile strength in the scaffolds used in skin tissue engineering [16].

    Gold nanoparticles have aided immensely as a replacement for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). BMPs regulate the repair and maintenance of bones. BMPs have some serious drawbacks, frequently being responsible for the formation of spurs and inflammatory reactions. This has prompted researchers to shift their attention to GNPs (gold nanoparticles) as a promising alternative [17].

    When it comes to apparatus used in the reinforcement of bones at joints, understanding the degree of strain on the fixation device is vital to its construction. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are subject to piezoresistive effects, which can be calculated for the quantification of applied stress. A CNT network can, hence, be embedded into orthopedic plates to help determine the healing stage of the bone. A healed bone will independently bear a majority of the load. Conversely, an unhealed bone will transfer the load to the fixation device; this process will be captured by the nanotube network [18].   

    Considerations

    Throughout this article, we have explored the various nano-systems being exploited to bypass various bottlenecks in a variety of sectors, including both human and animal health. The precipitous rate of discovery in the last few years has truly raised the bar of expectations of the technology’s capabilities. However, to sideline the challenges and limitations in favor of the benefits would be unwise.

    The primary hindrance to the implementation of nanotechnology is the immune system’s potential misidentification of nanoparticles as invaders. In some cases, this may result in their prompt expulsion or destruction before they can deliver the treatment. The greater danger is a cytokine overload or storm [19]. This occurs when the nanoparticles induce a pattern of cytokine production which leads to a positive feedback loop. This means that the immune cells release cytokines instructing the body to produce more immune cells, and this overproduction can damage organs, including the lungs and kidneys. Carbon nanotubes have been known to trigger a cytokinic response in mice [20], while silver particles have caused inflammatory responses [21].

    Toxicity is another major threat to the viability of nanotechnology within living organisms. The desirable properties which alter the physicochemical features may also potentially cause toxicity. Non-biodegradable materials contribute to a greater extent, as they tend to have a higher reactivity to surrounding cell structures. It is therefore of great importance to investigate and apply evaluation methods. Currently, dendritic cells, epithelial cells, and macrophages are commonly used to assess the toxicology of engineered nanomaterials.

    Many of the studies conducted showed positive results in vitro, but clinical trials are still limited. We know that the adverse impact on organisms can be much more severe as compared to bulk materials. Hence, it is imperative to exercise caution and optimize the conditions under which nanomedicine can be practiced. This includes choosing non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible materials for the fashioning of antibacterial-loaded nanoparticles.   

    References

    [1] Subramani K., Ahmed W. Emerging Nanotechnologies in Dentistry. William Andrew; Norwich, NY, USA: 2017

    [2] https://doc.woah.org/dyn/portal/digidoc.xhtml?statelessToken=wW9fvTfRUAuzwobIfIdgsspq66AsADl_5pldKcMdYGE=&actionMethod=dyn%2Fportal%2Fdigidoc.xhtml%3AdownloadAttachment.openStateless

    [3] Sun M, Ma X, Chen X, Sun Y, Cui X, Lin Y. A nanocomposite of carbon quantum dots and TiO2 nanotube arrays: enhancing photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties. Rsc Adv. 2014;4(3):1120–1127

    [4] Pleskova S, Mikheeva E, Gornostaeva E. Using of quantum dots in biology and medicine. In: Saquib Q, Faisal M, Al-Khedhairy AA, Alatar AA, editors. Cellular and Molecular Toxicology of Nanoparticles. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2018:323–334

    [5] Agoulmine N, Kim K, Kim S, Rim T, Lee JS, Meyyappan M. Enabling communication and cooperation in bio-nanosensor networks: toward innovative healthcare solutions. IEEE Wirel Commun. 2012;19:42–51

    [6] Martinho, N., Damgé, C., and Reis, C. P. (2011). Recent advances in drug delivery systems. J. Biomater. Nanobiotechnol. 2, 510–526.

    [7] Pissuwan, D., Camilla, G., Mongkolsuk, S., and Cortie, M. B. (2019). Single and multiple detections of foodborne pathogens by gold nanoparticle assays. WIREs Nanomed. Nanotechnology. 12:1584.

    [8] Yokoyama, M. (2014). Polymeric micelles as drug carriers: their lights and shadows. J. Drug Target. 22, 576–583.

    [9] Wójcik, M., Lewandowski, W., Król, M., Pawłowski, K., Mieczkowski, J., Lechowski, R., et al. (2015). Enhancing anti-tumor efficacy of doxorubicin by non-covalent conjugation to gold nanoparticles-in vitro studies on feline fibrosarcoma cell lines. 

    [10] Joshi, H. M., Bhumkar, D. R., Joshi, K., Pokharkar, V., and Sastry, M. (2006). Gold nanoparticles as carriers for efficient transmucosal insulin delivery. Langmuir 22, 300–305

    [11] Iannazzo D, Pistone A, Celesti C, et al. A smart nanovector for cancer targeted drug delivery based on graphene quantum dots. Nanomaterials. 2019;9(2):282

    [12] Roy K, Mao HQ, Huang SK, Leong KW. Oral gene delivery with chitosan–DNA nanoparticles generates immunologic protection in a murine model of peanut allergy. Nat Med. 1999 Apr;5(4):387-91

    [13] Shi Kam, N. W. (16 August 2005). “Carbon nanotubes as multifunctional biological transporters and near-infrared agents for selective cancer cell destruction”. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 102 (33): 11600–11605.

    [14] Pan L, Pei X, He R, Wan Q, Wang J. Multiwall carbon nanotubes/polycaprolactone composites for bone tissue engineering application. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2012 May 1;93:226-34

    [15] Heo DN, Ko WK, Bae MS, et al. Enhanced bone regeneration with a gold nanoparticle-hydrogel complex. J Mater Chem B. 2014;2(11):1584–1593

    [16] Li N, Fan X, Tang K, Zheng X, Liu J, Wang B. Nanocomposite scaffold with enhanced stability by hydrogen bonds between collagen, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and titanium dioxide. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2016;140:287–296

    [17] Heo DN, Ko WK, Bae MS, et al. Enhanced bone regeneration with a gold nanoparticle-hydrogel complex. J Mater Chem B. 2014;2(11):1584–1593

    [18] http://www.google.com/patents/US7878988/nanotechnology

    [19] Schöler N, Hahn H, Müller R, Liesenfeld O. Effect of lipid matrix and size of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) on the viability and cytokine production of macrophages. Int J Pharm. 2002;231(2):167–176.

    [20] Nygaard UC, Hansen JS, Samuelsen M, Alberg T, Marioara CD, Lovik M. Single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes promote allergic immune responses in mice. Toxicol Sci. 2009;109(1):113–123.

    [21] Park E, Bae E, Yi J, Kim Y, Choi K, Lee SH, et al. Repeated-dose toxicity and inflammatory responses in mice by oral administration of silver nanoparticles. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2010;30(2):162–168.

    ” Elianne Liong is a staff writer for Celeritas Digital.  She specializes in researching and publishing content related to a range of topics in the animal health and veterinary industry, including technology transformation, business processes, HR, data science, and advanced analytics. “

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      5 September

      A Pet Owner’s Guide to Understanding Leptospirosis in Dogs

      Elianne LiongAll Posts, Animal Health, Learning and DevelopmentNo Comments

      Leptospirosis is a rare and dangerous virus found in temperate and tropical regions. It is highly threatening to outdoor pets such as dogs. Although less than 1% of dogs are affected by Leptospirosis, it is not to be dismissed because exposure to it can harm your pet’s health.

      The following article will include:

      • What is Leptospirosis?
      • Stages of Leptospirosis and their Symptoms
      • Diagnosis
      • Treatment Options and Approaches
      • The Primary Causes and Prevention Methods
      • Success Stories and Cases
      • Lifestyle and Recovery

      Having a detailed source of information should help you remain vigilant and ensure the well-being of your animal companions.

       

      What is Leptospirosis?

      Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria called Leptospira. This remains active in stagnant water bodies. When your dog plays or swims in water containing urine of infected wildlife, the bacteria burrow through the skin. It can do this by targeting breaches and open cuts. Leptospirosis may also enter the body via the intake of virus-carrying water.

      Once within, it spreads rapidly through the bloodstream, lowering the red blood cell level. It damages the kidneys, the liver and the nervous system which leads to the weakening of the body. Without treatment, it can lead to meningitis, respiratory failure, and tragically, even death.

      Stages of Leptospirosis and their Symptoms

      Leptospirosis mainly targets the kidneys and the liver, although it does also affect the blood and other organs.

      The Kidneys

      An animal suffering from leptospirosis can experience a loss of kidney function. In extreme cases, even kidney failure is possible. Dogs in this state can have bloated kidneys and are even found to have CKD (chronic kidney failure). What this means is that the nephrons – tiny filtration units in the kidney- and renal cells are destroyed faster than they are replaced.  This leaves the body unable to filter out waste material from the patient’s blood. As a result, you may notice irregularities in your dog’s urine cycle.

      The Liver

      This disease has multiple impacts on a dog’s liver system. The liver often swells, and lesions – abnormal growths – form inside which may cause stomach aches. You may also notice a yellowing of the skin, eyes and mouth, etc. which is similar to jaundice. In severe cases, a dog can even develop Weil’s disease.

      The Blood

      Anemia is another side effect of leptospirosis because red blood cells begin to decrease in number. In severe cases, the animal might require a transference of blood, so these effects should be taken into account.

      Below is an extensive list of the signs of leptospirosis, so that owners can be reactive to any dangers.

      • Lethargy and reluctance to exert themselves.
      • Stiffness and soreness of muscles.
      • increased thirst.
      • loss of appetite.
      • frequency of urine.
      • nosebleeds.
      • vomiting which may contain traces of blood.
      • diarrheic discharge.
      • jaundice-like state of yellowed eyes and skin, as previously mentioned.
      • anemic appearance.
      • Headaches.
      • Fever.

      Leptospirosis usually advances in two continuous stages: the delayed stage and the acute stage. It takes around 6 to 12 days to manifest, therefore it is best to get your dog seen by a vet and treated during the delayed stage so that the damage to the organs may be minimal.

      Diagnosis

      Some of the symptoms can be very vague and the result of any other, less extreme, virus as well. In order to be sure, an animal parent should take their pet for a check-up. The clinic will likely be able to identify the issue quickly and act to save your dog’s life.

      If you do wish to check for your assurance, you may do a PCR test and an MAT test. A PCR test recognizes genetic material which is alien to your body, especially a virus. A MAT test detects antibodies in the system which combine with foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. Elevated white blood cell levels or lower platelet levels may also be an indication of leptospirosis.

      Treatment Options and Approaches

      After gaining your trusted vet’s opinion and having an understanding of the prognosis, it’s good to have a sense of what kinds of methods or procedures might be available to save your precious fur baby from further suffering.

      Antibiotics

      Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics in the first stages, especially during the early stages of the infection. These may include such medicines as oral doxycycline or iv penicillin which are assigned for 2 to 4 weeks to remove the leptospires from the kidneys.

      Fluid Therapy

      Usually though, dogs are placed into intensive care immediately, so you may not be able to keep your little, beloved friend with you at home. Keeping them at the hospital is a good idea, however, since they can receive proper treatment such as fluid therapy. This is when dogs are rehydrated with electrolytes and fluids to replace the lost water, sugar and salts.

      A nasogastric feeding tube may also be used to administer medicine, water and nutrition.

      Blood Transfusion or Dialysis

      Because of the blood loss, depletion of platelets and anemic reactions of dogs, a blood transfusion might also be required. Extreme cases also infrequently warrant hemodialysis, which is the filtering out of toxins and waste material from the blood. Effectively, this is to make up for the dysfunction of the kidney.

      The Primary Causes and Prevention Methods

      Leptospirosis thrives in still water such as small puddles, creeks, mud and ponds. It can survive in such an environment for longer than 3 months. So, during the rainy season or after a storm or hurricane, let the pooch exercise around the house instead. Also avoid muddy or flooded parts of the area.

      Dogs can also pick up the virus by eating or being bitten by a rat that carries the infection. This is why it is necessary to regularly check the kennel for any signs of rat activity such as gnawed wood or droppings.

      When there is an outbreak, it is advisable to refrain from letting your dog interact with other hounds at dog parks and dog beaches or leaving them at boarding houses.

      The BEST WAY to safeguard your tail-wagging companion is to vaccinate him or her once a year. Vaccine series such as four-serovar can prevent Leptospirosis for 12 months. Puppies should ideally be vaccinated at 9 months or older with booster shots every successive year.

      It is important to be aware of the side effects that these vaccines may have, which include vomiting, facial swelling, diarrhea and difficulty breathing. You should also consult your puppy’s personal care-provided who has access to his or her clinical history. This way, they can better guide you about the best course of action to take.

      Lifestyle and Recovery

      With early and aggressive treatment, chances of recovery in dogs are as high as 90%; without it, recovery can take several months instead of weeks. Unfortunately, treatment is not the end of the process. Leptospirosis tends to leave dogs with irreversible tissue damage, which will have long-term health implications.

      Furthermore, your pet can continue to pass the bacteria via urine or mucous for up to six weeks, so you should be careful to clean up after them and sanitize your own and your children’s hands after petting them. It is also advisable to use gloves and a mask while cleaning fluids.

      After they have been discharged, your dog must be given time for rest and relaxation. One way to do this is by creating a quiet and relaxing, disturbance-free atmosphere which will lower stress levels and allow them to conserve energy. A light, steady diet is also advised, so coordinate with your veterinarian to find the right diet and routine which will be suitable to help get your little four-legged buddy back on his feet and running about again!

      ” Elianne Liong is a staff writer for Celeritas Digital.  She specializes in researching and publishing content related to a range of topics in the animal health and veterinary industry, including technology transformation, business processes, HR, data science, and advanced analytics. “

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