In this article on our site we will deal with leishmaniasis in dogs, a parasitic disease that is expanding and, being a zoonosis, that is, a disease that can affect the people, it is essential to know in order to adopt the appropriate preventive measures, since it is always better to avoid a disease than to cure it. We will explain how to recognize its symptoms, how it is spread, what is the treatment of choice and the life expectancy of dogs with leishmania.
Hair loss, skin thickening, ulcers or abnormal nail growth are just some of the symptoms that leishmania produces. However, it should be noted that some dogs have asymptomatic disease, which makes it difficult to identify. For this reason, it is essential to visit the veterinarian periodically and go to any anomaly. Keep reading to find out all about leishmaniasis in dogs
What is leishmaniasis in dogs?
Leishmaniasis or leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. More common in warm climates like those we can find in the Mediterranean, South America, Africa or Asia, the number of cases is increasing. It is mainly transmitted by the bite of a female sandfly mosquito, which needs blood to finish laying eggs. It can manifest itself in various clinical forms. In addition to dogs, leishmania can affect other animals such as cats and also humans.
The mosquito that transmits leishmania in dogs is usually active at dawn and dusk on warm days. It lives in rural areas or groves where it finds holes in which to hide during the day. In the cold seasons it remains in the larval stage. It is certain that climate change will favor its expansion, increasing the cases of canine, feline and human leishmaniasis. Therefore, avoiding its bite is the best way to prevent the spread of leishmania in dogs. It is difficult for us to observe it on the dog because it is small in size and acts quickly. In some cases we will be able to locate a sting.
Leishmania life cycle
We have already seen which protozoa of the Leishmania genus are the cause of this parasitic disease, but what is its biological cycle? When the mosquito bites an infected dog it acquires the leishmanias found in its blood. In the stomach of the insect, the parasites are released, evolve into their elongated, flagellated form (promastigotes), and reproduce. If the mosquito bites again, leishmania will infect a new dog. After the bite, the parasites invade the macrophages, which are a type of white blood cell, and return to an ovoid shape (amastigotes) that will be dispersed by the whole organism. If a mosquito bites this contaminated dog, the cycle of the parasite will continue as we have described. Therefore, as we can see, leishmania needs two hosts to complete its life cycle:
- The cells of a vertebrate, mainly the dog, which would be the reservoir.
- The digestive system of a sandfly mosquito, which would act as a vector.
Symptoms of leishmaniasis in dogs
After a highly variable incubation period, a sick dog will show symptoms such as the following, which will allow us to determine how to tell if a dog has leishmaniasis:
- Hair loss around the eyes, ears and nose.
- The remaining hair will look fine and dull.
- With advanced leishmaniasis in dogs we will see weight loss, despite eating normally.
- Increase in the size of the nodes.
- Nail overgrowth.
- Wounds that do not heal, especially in contact areas and around the eyes, which may present conjunctivitis.
- Lethargy.
- Limp.
- Joint pain.
- Nosebleed.
- Hyperkeratosis, that is, thickening of the skin on the nose and fingers.
- In chronic leishmaniasis it is common for kidney failure, digestive or liver disorders to appear.
You have to know that some dogs are infested by the parasite but do not show symptoms, which means that they can be a source of contagion without us knowing that they are sick. For this reason, it is recommended to test all dogs living in risk areas to find out whether or not they are carriers of Leishmania.
Types of leishmaniasis in dogs
Depending on the symptoms developed, we will be faced with one type and another of leishmania in dogs:
- Visceral leishmaniasis: is one that causes internal clinical signs, that is, digestive, kidney and liver disorders, fever, lethargy, loss of weight, etc.
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis: is the one that produces physical symptoms on the skin of the infected dog, such as hair loss, thickening of the skin, non-healing wounds, etc.
How is leishmaniasis spread in dogs?
How is leishmaniasis spread from one dog to another? Transmission of leishmaniasis occurs through sandflies, although it seems that bitches can infect their youngand sexual or biting transmission is also possible. If the mosquito bites an infected dog and then a he althy one, it is possible that the parasite will be transmitted to them. A single sandfly can infect several dogs before dying.
Is leishmaniasis in dogs contagious to humans?
A dog cannot directly infect a person, but leishmaniasis does affect humans, which is why it is considered a zoonosis. As we have explained, if the mosquito bites an infected dog and then a he althy one, it can transmit the parasite. The same will happen if it bites a person. This is why it is said that dogs are reservoirs of the disease. People most at risk of infection are those with weakened or immature immune systems.
Diagnosis of leishmaniasis in dogs
If there is any suspicion that a dog may be suffering from leishmaniasis, the veterinarian will take a blood sample to perform a test quickly in the clinic. In a few minutes a result is obtained, although it must be known that it will not serve to detect the parasite in the early stages of the disease, nor does it tell us the number of protozoa there is or the state of the infection.
To detect the parasite, you can also take a bone marrow sample or lymph nodes and look at it under a microscope or use different laboratory techniques more expensive.
How to cure leishmaniasis in dogs? - Treatment
The first thing a caregiver wants to know in these cases is if leishmaniasis in dogs is curable. Well, we have to know that if left untreated, the dog will probably die. In addition, available treatments aim to suppress symptoms, but do not eliminate the parasite Even so, sick dogs should receive medication to improve their quality of life, by alleviating clinical signs, and, very importantly, because it reduces the risk of transmission. The treatment can be prescribed for life and periodic controls are also marked. Other dogs are treated for several weeks but, as the parasite is not eliminated, relapses can occur. In these cases, treatment should be repeated as soon as symptoms appear.
To treat leishmania in dogs, several combined drugs are used that make it difficult for the parasite to reproduce They are usually administered orally or by injection. It is important that if we detect any of the symptoms described above, we go to the vet, since early treatment improves the prognosis considerably.
The evolution of treatments has helped affected dogs remain without symptoms or relapses for longer. This means that, There is no definitive cure for leishmaniasis in dogs, but infected dogs can have a good quality of life, and live for many years, if they receive proper treatment.
What to do with a dog with leishmaniasis?
In addition to following the treatment stipulated by the veterinarian, it is essential to offer the best care to the dog with leishmaniasis to guarantee a good quality of care. life. These cares are none other than the basics that every dog should receive, such as a comfortable and warm place to sleep, a relaxed and calm environment to avoid stress as much as possible, hydration through fresh and clean water always available and, of course, a proper nutrition.
The diet deserves the most attention, since a dog with leishmania should receive an extra of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to strengthen the immune system. Likewise, antioxidants will also favor your defenses against the parasite. Finally, easily digestible proteins, such as chicken or turkey, will help the animal avoid digestive disorders and eat better. For more details, do not miss the following article: "Food for dogs with leishmania".
How to prevent leishmaniasis in dogs?
First of all, if we live in a risk area or receive a dog from an area with a high percentage of leishmania, we should take it to the vet to find out if it is a carrier or not. In any case, we must use a antiparasitic product that acts against sandflies.
It is marketed in a necklace or in a pipette The first takes about a week to take effect and lasts about 4-8 months, depending on the brand. The pipette, on the other hand, begins its activity in 24-48 hours, but its duration is shorter, about 3-4 weeks. We can also resort to the use of sprays, which act immediately and for about 3 weeks, although in larger dogs, which are the ones that live abroad the most, with the highest risk of contagion, it is difficult to impregnate them with the product.
These antiparasitics act by preventing the mosquito from ingesting blood, so that the transmission of the parasite cannot occur and, therefore, the spread of leishmania in dogs. Insecticides can also be used at home, kennels, sheds, etc. In addition, it is necessary to implement measures such as the following:
- Prevent the dog from sleeping outside during risky seasons, which are the hottest.
- At the same time, do not walk it at dusk or dawn as these are times when we are more likely to find sandflies.
- Do not accumulate organic matter, since mosquito larvae feed on it.
- Sterilize the dog, since the possibility of sexual and mother-to-child transmission is contemplated.
- Put mosquito nets on doors and windows.
- Ultraviolet light traps can be used because mosquitoes are highly attracted to light.
- Vaccination from six months and revaccination following the advice of the veterinarian.
To ward off mosquitoes and keep them away from dogs, cats and humans, we can make use of natural and harmless remedies that we share in the following article: "How to drive away mosquitoes?"
How long can a dog with leishmaniasis last?
As we have said, leishmaniasis in dogs, if not treated, can cause the death of the animal. In cases where treatment is instituted, the success will depend on the response of the dog's immune system to the medication and the severity of the infection. Therefore, it is impossible to give a standard life expectancy for all dogs with leishmaniasis. Although some may die from the complications caused by the parasite, currently the treatments make it possible for many to live with no more problems than following medication and regular check-ups.
For more details, don't miss this video in which Paula Blanco, Viladogcat veterinarian, tells us about this disease.
