If you have wondered how long a dog with leishmania can last you are in the right place. This disease is a he alth problem caused by a microscopic parasite transmitted by a mosquito that feeds on blood. The life expectancy of a dog with leishmaniosisis unpredictable, as it is a fairly serious disease that could kill him if left untreated weather. For this reason, on our site we will review the main symptoms and, therefore, how this pathology affects us in order to get an idea of how long you may have left to live.
Symptoms of leishmania in dogs
Leishmaniasis is classified into two types, cutaneous, which affects mainly the skin, and visceral, which severely affects the the kidneys and the liver. Similarly, other symptoms have been reported in relation to this disease but less frequently.
If your dog has leishmania and doesn't want to eat, it is one of the most common symptoms. However, as we say, there are other warning signs that can help us detect the problem. Thus, you can find more frequently the following indicators:
Cutaneous leishmaniasis in dogs
- Excessive nail growth.
- Hair loss on various parts of your body, especially around the nose, eyes and ears.
- Skin peeling.
- Infections, scabs and reddened areas on the skin.
- Hardening of the mucous membranes.
- Fur with a brittle, dry and dull texture.
- Formation of ulcers on the skin, especially in the areas of the legs and in the areas where your dog has contact with the ground when he lies down or sits
- Appearance of nodules.
Visceral leishmaniasis in dogs
- Rapid weight loss.
- Impairment of proper kidney function.
- Apathetic behavior.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fever.
- Anemia.
- Decreased muscle mass.
- Swelling of the abdomen due to inflammation of the liver and spleen.
Other symptoms of canine leishmaniasis
- Chronic diarrhea.
- Cough.
- Conjunctivitis.
- Nosebleeds.
- Pneumonia.
Phases of leishmaniasis in dogs
Next, we will show you all the stages that occur over time. This can help you identify which of all your dog is in so that you can take the necessary measures.
- Stage I: Mild DiseaseDogs with mild clinical signs, such as peripheral lymphadenopathy or papular dermatitis. They do not present clinical-pathological disorders and the anti-leishmanial antibody score is negative or low positive. The prognosis is good if you go to the vet at this time.
- Stage II: Moderate Disease In addition to the clinical signs mentioned above, dogs may present with skin lesions (exfoliative dermatitis, ulcers, nodules), onychogryphosis, anorexia, weight loss, fever, diarrhea, and epistaxis. Common clinicopathologic disorders include nonregenerative anemia and hyperproteinemia. The prognosis is reserved.
- Stage III: Severe Disease In addition to all of the above, you may have lesions caused by immune complexes, such as vasculitis, arthritis, uveitis, and glomerulonephritis. Clinicopathological disorders are the same as in stage II. The prognosis varies from guarded to unfavourable, depending on renal function.
- Stage IV: Very Serious Disease Dogs with clinical signs and lesions mentioned in section 3, as well as serious disorders such as thromboembolism, syndrome nephrotic or end-stage renal disease. The prognosis is unfavourable, the dog's life being at risk.
How long can a dog with leishmania last?
Unfortunately, we cannot give a clear answer to this question. As we have pointed out in the previous section, the prognosis varies depending on the stage in which the disease is found. In this way, if it is detected in stage I, the animal can maintain a good life if the treatment stipulated by the veterinarian is followed, so it does not necessarily have to die from this pathology. Now, if you go to the specialist when the disease is already very advanced, he will hardly survive.
Having said all of the above, there is no cure for leishmaniasis in dogs. Treatment is based on controlling its development and, therefore, its symptoms. In the following sections we will talk more in depth about all this.
How to help my dog with leishmaniasis?
In order to help your dog overcome this disease, it is important that you learn to control each of the phases of leishmaniasis in dogs. You can start by following the recommendations below:
- It is important that you follow the vet's instructions, he will indicate the best treatment depending on the magnitude of the case.
- You must not neglect treatment. Although it is extensive and requires strict time monitoring, it is necessary to improve your dog's condition.
- You have to be alert during and after treatment, so you can tell if your dog has overcome the disease, continues with the symptoms or if you have a relapse.
- Give him good nutrition, take him to exercise as usual so that he has strength and stays in good condition and, above all, Give him a lot of love, as this will significantly help him overcome the disease.
Treatment of advanced leishmaniasis in dogs
The treatment of this disease is complex and must be administered for a long time. The medications that must be provided will allow your dog with leishmaniasis greater life expectancy, since by administering it they can significantly reduce the symptoms and improve his he alth status.
Despite the efficiency of the medicines that currently exist, none will be able to fully combat the parasite contracted by this disease. This means that you must be very careful because, even if you see that your dog's symptoms have disappeared and he is apparently he althy, there may be the possibility of him suffering a relapse.
The prognosis of leishmaniasis will depend on the lesions that occur and that have been provided before controlling the symptoms. If you detect that your dog has contracted this disease in time, we can assure you that it will have less risk of suffering injuries that could be irreversible.
It is also important that you follow the vet's instructions and treat him correctly so that your beloved puppy can enjoy a happy and he althy life by your side.
How to prevent leishmaniasis in dogs?
Prevention is the most convenient approach to this disease, since the more care you take, the lower the risk of contracting it. Some preventions that you should take into account are:
- It is convenient that you try to avoid walks or leave it loose outside your house during sunset if you live in humid or warm areas, this is because mosquitoes usually manifest at that time.
- Currently, there is a product that prevents this disease, it is a syrupwhich goes by the name Leishguard. It acts to stimulate your dog's immunity and it has been shown that combining it with a repellent provides greater protection.
- Among the best protectors are mosquito repellents, which you can get in different presentations. You should see that they specify that they have protection against this disease. It is important that the veterinarian tells you how often you should renew it and confirm that your pet is not allergic to the repellent.
- For some years there has been the vaccine against leishmaniasis, however, its efficacy is still being studied, since at the moment it is not of 100%. Despite this, it could be supplied accompanied by the aforementioned protection with the authorization of the veterinarian.
