Leishmania
Leishmania, a deadly disease
What is it?
Leishmaniasis is a contagious disease caused by the Leishmania infantum parasite. If not treated properly, in many cases it causes a slow and painful death, and its treatment is always expensive. Once a dog is affected by this disease, it will always need, to a greater or lesser extent, symptomatic treatment. Remember that the clinical symptoms can be treated, but the disease has no cure! Therefore, the most important measure for any pet is prevention from the first day you acquire it.
How is it transmitted?
It is transmitted by sand flies from April to approximately September (when the night-time temperature exceeds 20 degrees). Sand flies are active from dusk to dawn. They measure only between 3 and 5 mm.
What are the clinical signs?
Skin
-Abnormal thickening of the skin.
-Ulcers.
-Cuts and abrasions around the nasal area.
-Dermatitis or skin infections.
Viscerals
-Weight loss in the face.
-Increased urinary frequency and thirst (kidney failure).
-Muscle atrophy.
-Depression.
-Vomiting.
-Diarrhoea.
-Coughing.
-Sneezing.
-Black stools.
-Fever.
-Dermatitis(Skins abnomalities).
-Jaundice (yellow mucous membranes).
other common signs
- Abnormalities in the claws
- Progressive weight loss
- Anaemia
- Arthritis
- Lethargy
Prevention
If possible, do not leave your dog outside after dark.
Get a Scalibor® collar, which is very effective throughout the season.
Use Ex-spot™ every month (not necessary if you use Scalibor®).
Monitoring
Even if your pet shows no symptoms, it is very important to carry out regular checks. Blood tests are recommended twice a year to detect any infection at an early stage.