🐾 Infectious Diseases in Pets: Leptospirosis, Tick-Borne Diseases, FIV, and Aspergillosis
Internal Medicine: Diagnosis & Treatment of Affected Systems & Common Diseases
Southern Ocean Animal Hospital – 319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Pets can contract infectious diseases from the environment, parasites, or other animals. Four key infections veterinarians regularly diagnose and treat are:
- Leptospirosis: Bacterial disease spread through water and wildlife, affecting kidneys and liver.
- Tick-Borne Diseases: Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis, caused by ticks common in New Jersey.
- FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus): Weakens cats’ immune systems, similar to HIV in humans.
- Aspergillosis: A fungal infection often affecting respiratory systems in dogs and cats.
Early diagnosis, lab testing, imaging, and customized treatment by veterinarians like Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, ensure the best outcomes.
ELI5 (Explain Like I’m 5)
- Leptospirosis: Like drinking dirty puddle water that makes pets’ kidneys and liver very sick.
- Tick-borne diseases: Ticks are tiny bugs that carry germs and pass them to pets when they bite.
- FIV: A cat’s “bodyguards” (immune system) get weak, so they can’t fight germs well.
- Aspergillosis: A fungus (like mold) grows inside pets’ noses or lungs and makes breathing hard.
Key Points (Bullet Summary)
- Leptospirosis spreads through contaminated water/soil and can also infect humans (zoonotic).
- Tick-borne diseases are prevalent in Southern NJ, especially in wooded and coastal areas.
- FIV primarily affects outdoor and male cats due to bite wounds.
- Aspergillosis is more common in long-nosed dogs (like German Shepherds) but can affect many species.
- Diagnosis: Blood tests, urinalysis, cultures, PCR, imaging, and cytology.
- Treatment: Antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals (supportive), tick preventatives, and immune support.
- Prevention: Vaccines (for leptospirosis, Lyme), tick control, safe environments, and regular vet check-ups.
Introduction
Infectious diseases in pets are often unpredictable. They can spread quickly, mimic other conditions, and cause severe illness if not identified early. At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, located in Tuckerton, NJ, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, and his team rely on state-of-the-art diagnostics, in-house laboratory equipment, and advanced imaging tools to detect and treat these complex conditions.
Because Ocean County, the Jersey Shore, and Long Beach Island (LBI) provide environments with wildlife reservoirs, marshlands, and heavy tick populations, local pets face unique risks. Families from Toms River to Atlantic City and even Burlington County travel to SOAH for its trusted reputation in handling these challenging diseases.
Section 1: Leptospirosis
What It Is
A bacterial infection caused by Leptospira species, transmitted through water, soil, or direct contact with infected urine. It’s zoonotic—meaning humans can catch it too.
Symptoms
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Jaundice (yellow gums/eyes)
- Increased thirst/urination
- Kidney and liver failure in severe cases
Diagnosis
- Bloodwork and urinalysis (abnormal kidney/liver values)
- Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT)
- PCR testing
Treatment
- Hospitalization with IV fluids
- Antibiotics (Doxycycline, Penicillin derivatives)
- Supportive care (antiemetics, liver protectants)
Prevention
- Leptospirosis vaccine (recommended for dogs in NJ due to high exposure risk)
- Avoiding stagnant water and wildlife-contaminated areas
Section 2: Tick-Borne Diseases
What They Are
Ticks transmit multiple bacterial infections, most notably:
- Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
Symptoms
- Lameness (shifting leg lameness in Lyme disease)
- Fever
- Swollen joints
- Lethargy
- Neurological signs in severe cases
Diagnosis
- SNAP 4Dx Test (screens for multiple tick-borne pathogens)
- Blood chemistry and CBC
- Urinalysis for proteinuria
Treatment
- Antibiotics (Doxycycline commonly used)
- Pain and anti-inflammatory support
- Ongoing monitoring for kidney complications
Prevention
- Year-round tick preventatives
- Vaccination against Lyme disease (dogs)
- Avoiding heavily wooded or grassy areas
Section 3: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
What It Is
A viral infection in cats that weakens the immune system, making them vulnerable to secondary infections. Spread primarily through bite wounds.
Symptoms
- Recurrent infections (skin, respiratory, gums)
- Weight loss
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Fever
Diagnosis
- ELISA test (in-house blood screening)
- Confirmatory Western blot or PCR
Treatment
- No cure—focus on supportive care
- Antivirals in some cases
- Management of secondary infections
- Indoor lifestyle to reduce exposure
Prevention
- Keep cats indoors
- Test before introducing new cats into a household
- Spay/neuter to reduce fighting and transmission risk
Section 4: Aspergillosis
What It Is
A fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species, commonly affecting the respiratory tract. Dogs are more often affected than cats.
Symptoms
- Nasal discharge (sometimes bloody)
- Sneezing
- Facial swelling or deformity
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
Diagnosis
- Rhinoscopy with sample collection
- Fungal culture and cytology
- Imaging (CT or MRI for deep infections)
Treatment
- Antifungal medications (Itraconazole, Posaconazole)
- Topical antifungal infusion under anesthesia for nasal cases
- Surgical removal in severe or localized infections
Prognosis
- Depends on infection site; nasal aspergillosis often manageable, systemic aspergillosis more severe
Techniques of an Experienced Veterinarian – Dr. Pascetta’s Approach
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Pascetta combines:
- In-house diagnostics: blood analyzers, cytology, and PCR testing
- Imaging: ultrasound, radiography, rhinoscopy, video otoscopy
- Targeted treatments: antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and supportive therapy
- Personalized care plans: considering each pet’s environment, lifestyle, and family preferences
- Ongoing monitoring: repeat lab work and follow-ups to ensure successful management
Example Scenario
Case: Max the Labrador Retriever
Max presented with lethargy, fever, and swollen joints after a summer hiking trip in the Pine Barrens. A SNAP 4Dx Test confirmed Lyme disease. Dr. Pascetta prescribed Doxycycline and a pain management plan. Within 10 days, Max’s energy returned, and he now receives year-round tick prevention to avoid recurrence.
Timeline
- Day 1: Onset of symptoms → vet exam + diagnostics
- Day 2–3: Confirmatory lab results
- Week 1–2: Initiation of treatment → rapid symptom improvement
- Months 3–6: Ongoing monitoring (blood tests, urinalysis)
- Long-term: Preventative measures to avoid reinfection
What-If Situations
- What if leptospirosis is untreated? → Can lead to kidney/liver failure, death, and risk to human family members.
- What if a tick-borne disease is untreated? → Long-term joint disease, kidney failure, and chronic pain.
- What if FIV is untreated? → Cats become progressively weaker and more prone to infections.
- What if aspergillosis is untreated? → Progressive respiratory failure and potentially fatal complications.
Generational Relevance
- Baby Boomers & Gen X: Focused on long-term pet health and zoonotic safety (protecting grandkids and family).
- Millennials: Value preventative care (tick control, vaccines) and indoor safety for cats.
- Gen Z: Expect digital updates, online booking, and transparency in lab testing and treatment options.
Service Area
📍 Southern Ocean Animal Hospital
319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Serving:
- Ocean County towns: Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor, Manahawkin, Stafford Township, Barnegat, Waretown, Forked River, Bayville, Toms River, Brick.
- LBI communities: Beach Haven, Surf City, Ship Bottom, Long Beach Township, Eagleswood.
- Atlantic County: Galloway, Absecon, Brigantine, Atlantic City.
- Burlington County: New Gretna, Bass River.
Families regularly travel 30–60+ minutes because of the hospital’s reputation as one of the most trusted veterinary centers in Ocean County and the Jersey Shore.
Contact Us
Infectious diseases like leptospirosis, tick-borne illnesses, FIV, and aspergillosis can be life-threatening if not caught early.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, and his skilled team provide advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment, and compassionate care to protect your pets.
📞 Call today to schedule an appointment and ensure your pet’s health is protected against these serious infections.