Health: DEADLY BACTERIAL DISEASE SPREADING AMONG DOGS IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
PARAMUS, New Jersey (WABC) -- A potentially deadly disease is spreading among dogs in Northern New Jersey, officials said Monday, and veterinary groups are warning owners to be aware of the symptoms and to take steps to keep their pets safe. At least five dogs in Paramus have been diagnosed with a bacterial disease called leptospirosis, which doctors say can be fatal disease and can be transmitted to humans. "The disease is definitely present in our area," said Dr. Benjamin Davidson, of BluePearl Veterinary Partners hospital in Paramus. "That could be in part because it's been an unusually warm winter for us." The disease tends to be transmitted through the urine of wild animals, and dogs often get infected in areas with creeks, puddles, ponds and other places where there is a lot of standing water. The water aids in keeping the bacteria alive. If left untreated, it could lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure and death. Symptoms include blee...