Skip to main content

Leptospirosis in Dogs: What's Bloodwork Got to Do with It?

PARTNER CE FROM UPSTATE VETERINARY SPECIALTIES

Technician Track - DVMs will not receive CE Credit

Ciera Earl LVT, VTS, Emergency


NYSED CE Credits: 1.5 (LVT)

Leptospirosis is a common zoonotic disease that can cause serious illness in dogs, other wild animals, and people. Throughout this lecture, we will look at common lab work and provide a better understanding of the values, their meaning, and how it all ties together in diagnosing Leptospirosis. We will also discuss the signs and symptoms, transmission, prevalence, and treatment.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Understand the importance of minimum database lab work on sick patients and a review of the tests we are running
2. Identify the prevalence, symptoms, and treatment of Leptospirosis in our area. Knowing what our blood work results mean can lead to a faster diagnosis.
3. Review a case study with Leptospirosis

Qualifications and Experience

Ciera obtained her Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from SUNY Delhi in 2000 and her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science from Becker College in 2002. She received her Veterinary Technology license in 2001. After spending five years in an emergency and critical care setting, Ciera pursued advanced training and received her Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification in Emergency and Critical Care in 2006. She is an active member of the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses. Ciera has always had a great interest in emergency and critical care medicine and has focused her career on that niche. After receiving her VTS certification, she transitioned to Practice Manager for the Northway Animal Emergency Clinic in Saratoga, NY, where she spent 15 years. Wanting to spend more time in clinical practice, Ciera joined Upstate Veterinary Specialties as an Emergency & Critical Care LVT and Medical Applications/Project Specialist in 2022. Ciera enjoys spending time with her husband and son, traveling the state to various sporting events, and downhill skiing. She shares her home with three crazy dogs and a flock of backyard hens