Leismaniasis is a disease that is becoming more widely known and that has a higher incidence in certain areas of our geography. This is so because this disease is transmitted by blood-sucking insects, which pass the Leishmania donovani to the dog. The problem is that it is a disease that is easily spread, so it is difficult to control, and it can also be fatal or very serious for the dog.
Sometimes the Leysmaniasis has no or only some symptoms. As with other diseases, a timely diagnosis can help our dog a lot and a visit to the vet will be mandatory to know the condition of the dog and its possible treatment. But first, as owners, we must learn to recognize the symptoms and possible illnesses.
What is leismaniasis
Canine leismaniosis or canine leishmaniasis is a disease that is also known as mosquito disease. It is a parasitic disease that causes a microscopic protozoan that is carried precisely by the mosquito. That is why not all mosquitoes transmit this disease, but it can be said that there are areas where it is more likely to be transmitted. It is a disease that can affect dogs but also people if they are bitten by the mosquito. There are areas where many more cases have occurred, because there are more mosquitoes that carry the protozoan. These are the areas of the Mediterranean, Huelva and the central area of the Peninsula. This does not mean that in other areas this problem does not exist, only that it is not as frequent.
Symptoms of the disease
Although there are dogs that do not show symptoms or that show only some, there are symptoms that are common in this disease. The skin problems with a dry dermatitis with hair loss around the dog's eyes, ears, and nose they are the most characteristic symptom of the disease. With time and the progression of the disease, the dog loses weight, which can become life-threatening, because kidney problems are also often present. Hence, its early diagnosis is essential to offer a palliative treatment that helps the dog.
There are other symptoms that can be taken into account to recognize the disease. Lymph nodes can become enlarged. They can also be presented eye problems such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis. There can be damage to the spleen and liver of varying severity. In many there is weight loss and muscle atrophy. However, to reach a conclusion, tests will have to be done to rule out other possible diseases.
Diagnosis of leysmaniasis
It is the veterinary professional who has to make an appropriate diagnosis taking into account the symptoms of the dog that he can appreciate and those that we describe. The diagnosis should be made after serological, parasitological and molecular studies. Reaching a diagnosis only by looking at the condition of the dog can be impossible, because a high percentage of dogs are asymptomatic. The most common way to determine leishmaniasis is the immunofluorescence test, a serological test that is one of the most used. Tissue or node smears, urine or blood tests may also be done.
Treatment of the disease
Years ago, when the disease was diagnosed, euthanasia was almost always recommended for the dog. This was done because there is no treatment that completely kills the transmitted protozoan. However, at present this disease is more controlled and it has been achieved alleviate symptoms and even transmission of leysmaniasis with the right medications. Due to these advances it is no longer necessary to end the life of the dog, since it can lead a normal life and not pose a danger to other animals in the area.
In current therapies, they often mix several medications at the same time. Antimony, aminosidine, allopurinol, or pentamidine are commonly used. The use of antimony is highly recommended in asymptomatic dogs, and its adverse effects are usually reversible. It is the veterinary professional who, depending on the progress and state of the disease, establishes the best possible treatment.
It is important to try to take care of the dog's skin at all times, providing hydration. In addition, you have to choose a good high quality feed and feed, because this disease usually causes weight loss. On the other hand, regular checks at the vet are important to know how the dog's body and the disease are evolving. You always have to do tests to know if the dog has kidney problems, anemia or malnutrition.
Prevention always the best
The problem with diseases such as leismaniasis is that once infected, dogs no longer have a cure, but they can be given treatments to minimize symptoms and avoid further infections and problems. That is why in these cases always prevention is recommended, as it is the best way to ensure that dogs remain healthy. It is important to know if we are in an area where there is a high or low percentage, since if it is an endemic area, extreme precautions must be taken.
In general, what is usually done is to avoid areas where there may be a concentration of mosquitoes. During the summer season is when there is greater risk. In addition, places where there are stagnant waters or river areas where there are a large number of mosquitoes should be avoided. We can never know if these mosquitoes can infect the dog or not, so if we avoid these areas we will lower the chances of contagion. On the other hand, if we live in an area where there are many mosquitoes, it is it is necessary to use specific repellants for dogs, that they cannot harm them if they lick their skin. There are also collars that help prevent mosquitoes from biting them, which can be very useful in these areas.