CANINE CARE

by ROQUETA’s VET Caroline Langlois

CANINE LEISHMANIASIS: A CHRONIC DISEASE TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN MENORCA

What is leishmaniasis and how is it caused?

Leishmaniasis in dogs is a chronic parasitic disease that puts many pets at risk each year. It is caused by Leishmania infantum, which is a member of the trypanosome family and is transmitted by the bite of an insect called Phlebotomus. This insect, a close relative of the mosquito, feeds mainly at the end of the day and beginning of the night, at minimum temperatures of 18-22°C.

Where is it present?

It is widespread throughout the Mediterranean region, and particularly in Spain. It is more common and even endemic in places where there are areas with abundant water or humidity, since this is a very favorable environment for an abundance of transmitting mosquitoes. The Balearic Islands are the Spanish territory with the highest percentage of dogs which have tested positive for leishmaniasis. A total of 57.1% of the canines in our autonomous community are carriers of this potentially lethal disease. This implies a difference of more than 20% with respect to the rest of the provinces analyzed.

What are the clinical signs in dogs?

The development of leishmaniasis in infected dogs varies greatly from one individual to another: some dogs will naturally eliminate the parasite, others will be carriers without showing any signs of disease and others express the disease to varying degrees. When they do appear, signs of leishmaniasis can occur from 2 months to 8 years after the Phlebotomus bite.

In its classic form, it is characterized by a wide range of symptoms:

General signs: fatigue, depression, weight loss

Skin signs: hair loss, dandruff, ulcerations

Swollen lymph nodes

Abnormally long claws, nose damage

How is it diagnosed?

Canine leishmaniasis is diagnosed by a veterinarian. He will first carry out a complete clinical examination of the dog to detect any symptoms of the disease and will also ask you questions about the dog’s lifestyle, and finally, blood tests will confirm infection.

How to treat it?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment for leishmaniasis in dogs. However, with early diagnosis and adequate treatment, it can be controlled. It’s possible to significantly improve the condition of sufferers, but even if all signs of the disease disappear, the dog remains a carrier of the parasite.

There is a specific treatment for leishmaniasis in the form of injections and tablets. This is a longterm treatment with potentially significant side-effects, notably on kidney function, and requires regular follow-up by the vet. In parallel, other symptomatic treatments may be prescribed to manage complications of the disease, such as secondary infections or kidney disorders.

Treatment must be administered over a long period, often several months or even years, depending on the evolution of the disease and the dog’s response to treatment and a leishmanic dog needs to be monitored by a vet for the rest of its life.

How can I protect my dog from leishmaniasis?

Phone or WhatsApp: +34 685753292

Email: vetmenorca@gmail.com

C/Santa Victoria 30, 07701 Mahon

Given the guarded prognosis and difficulty of treatment, prevention of leishmaniasis is essential. The most effective strategy to avoid the contagion of this canine disease is based on the combination of three basic principles:

• The first consists of reducing the risks of bites by making use of insect repellent collar or spoton. Don’t hesitate to ask your vet for advice on which product is best suited to your dog and its lifestyle.

• Also, it is important to apply vaccines that target the immune response.

The latest research estimates that an adequate vaccination protocol decreases 4 times the probability of suffering from canine leishmaniosis. It can be carried out from the age of 6 months. Beforehand, a blood sample must be taken to check that the dog is not infected with the parasite. The vaccine is followed by an annual booster and must be at least 1 month apart from the other vaccines. The vaccine does not prevent infection, but increases the dog’s resistance to infection. However, it does not guarantee a totally effective protection and must be combined with the application of repellent substances.

• Then, we must also control our pets in a more special way if we live in rural areas, with nearby wetlands, swimming pools, or irrigated areas, in addition to minimizing walks at dusk since their activity increases and this can increase the risk of exposure of our pets to Phlebotomus, which can increase the percentage up to 15 or 20%.

In conclusion, canine leishmaniasis is a potentially serious parasitic disease transmitted by Phlebotomus bites. It can have a variety of symptoms and affect various organs. It’s important to diagnose the disease early and treat it appropriately to improve the dog’s prognosis and quality of life. In an endemic region such as Menorca, preventing leishmaniasis is very important, and involves the use of appropriate anti-parasitics and vaccination.