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Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.
<br><br>
• Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments
<br>• Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs
<br>• Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study
<br>• Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health
<br>• Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs
<br><br>
Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

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Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:
<br><br>
<br>• The more treatment options are available
<br>• The better heart damage can be managed
<br>• The higher the chance of improving quality of life
<br><br>
Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.

<b>Early Detection. Advanced Treatment. Led by One of the Nation’s Top Experts.</b>

<b>Do not wait for symptoms to appear.</b>

Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:
<br>
<br>• Lethargy or decreased activity
<br>• Fainting or collapse
<br>• Irregular heartbeat
<br>• Difficulty breathing
<br>• Unexplained weight loss
<br><br>
If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.

If your dog may have been exposed to kissing bugs, do not wait. Chagas disease can silently damage the heart before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis can make the difference.

At Central Texas Vet, we go beyond standard testing.
Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.
<br><br>
Your dog’s evaluation may include:
<br>
<br>• Comprehensive physical exam
<br>• Cardiac screening
<br>• Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi
<br>• Advanced diagnostics when needed
<br><br>
Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.
Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.
<br><br>
Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:
<br>
<br>• Heart disease
<br>• Arrhythmias
<br>• Sudden death

Questions? We Have Answers

If your dog may be at risk, schedule an evaluation today and get answers from one of the leading experts in the field.

chagas-disease

<p dir="auto">At The Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, we go beyond standard testing.</p><p dir="auto">Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.</p><p dir="auto">Your dog’s evaluation may include:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Comprehensive physical exam</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Cardiac screening</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Advanced diagnostics when needed</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.</p>

<p dir="auto">Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.</p>

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.</p><p dir="auto">Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.</p><p dir="auto">Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Sudden death</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Heart disease</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Arrhythmias</p></li></ul><p dir="auto"></p>

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">The more treatment options are available</p></li><li><p dir="auto">The better heart damage can be managed</p></li><li><p dir="auto">The higher the chance of improving quality of life</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.</p>

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Lethargy or decreased activity</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Fainting or collapse</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Irregular heartbeat</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Difficulty breathing</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Unexplained weight loss</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.</p>

chagas-disease-ahsv

Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:
<br><br>
<br>• The more treatment options are available
<br>• The better heart damage can be managed
<br>• The higher the chance of improving quality of&nbsp; life
<br><br>
Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:
<br>
<br>• Lethargy or decreased activity
<br>• Fainting or collapse
<br>• Irregular heartbeat
<br>• Difficulty breathing
<br>• Unexplained weight loss
<br><br>
If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.<div><br></div><div><br></div>

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<h3 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2"><strong>What Is Leptospirosis</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px">Leptospirosis is a disease that most dog owners have either never heard of or it sounds familiar, but they’re not sure what it is. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause liver and kidney failure in dogs and can be contracted by humans. Leptospira is most commonly found in wet environments and is commonly shed in the urine of wildlife. Your dog can be infected with leptospires either directly through infected tissue (i.e., a dead animal) or secretions (most commonly urine) and can also be contracted through indirect contact from contaminated water, soil, or food. Common routes of infection include drinking contaminated water or entering the body through a cut or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or <strong>mouth</strong>). Once leptospires enter the environment, they can live for months in the soil and are easily washed into bodies of water, including puddles.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2"><strong>Diagnosing Leptospirosis</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px">Leptospirosis in dogs can be hard to diagnose because the clinical signs are often nonspecific. Common clinical signs include lethargy, fever, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. Often, elevated kidney and/or liver values will also be seen on <strong>bloodwork</strong>. Your veterinarian may be suspicious of leptospirosis based on clinical signs, vaccination status, and the likelihood of your dog being exposed to it. If your veterinarian is suspicious of leptospirosis, they will probably recommend specialized blood and urine testing.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2"><strong>Treatment For Leptospirosis</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px">If your dog is positive for leptospirosis, treatment with <strong>antibiotics</strong> will be started, since it is a bacterial disease. Additional treatment will be needed if there is kidney or liver injury, which may include hospitalization with supportive care. Your veterinarian may also recommend that you contact your physician about possible exposure. The sooner that leptospirosis is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of recovery.</p><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px"></p><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px">There are many different serovars (strains) of Leptospira. Vaccines are available that protect against the four most common serovars that cause leptospirosis in dogs. No vaccine is 100% effective, and there is the possibility that your dog could come into contact with a less common serovar. When possible, try to limit your dog’s contact with dead animals, wildlife, and stagnant water.</p><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px">When detected early, leptospirosis can have a good outcome with proper treatment and supportive care. Discuss with your veterinarian if your dog is at risk and if <strong>vaccination</strong> is appropriate for your dog. Leptospirosis can be fatal, and there is the possibility that you could get infected by your dog.</p>

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause liver and kidney failure in dogs and can be contracted by humans. Leptospira is most commonly found in wet environments and is commonly shed in the urine of wildlife. 

What Is Leptospirosis And How It Can Affect Your Dog?

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