Leishmaniasis is caused by a protozoan commonly found in rural dogs and some rodents. It is known that leishmaniasis has existed since ancient times. The knowledge that Leishmania parasites were transmitted from sandflies emerged in the 20th century and the discovery of new Leishmania species continued into the 21st century. The parasite is nowadays often transmitted by sand flies. It is an important disease that people can also be infected with.
What Is Leishmaniasis in Dogs?
Leishmaniasis in dogs is a multisystem disease with clinical manifestations. Leishmania parasites, carried by a type of fly called the sand fly, cause the disease. The number of infected dogs in endemic areas is quite high. Immune mechanisms are responsible for most of the pathology in leishmaniasis in dogs. The incubation period of the disease can last for months or even years.
How is Leishmaniasis Disease Transmitted in Dogs?
Leishmaniasis in dogs is transmitted by carriers of the Leishmania parasite. In this process, mosquitoes transfer the Leishmania parasites they have with the blood they suck from the infected creature by biting another living thing, thus acting as a carrier.
Conditions that lead to the transmission of leishmaniasis in dogs include:
- Dogs bitten by carriers
- Infected blood transfusion
- Transmission from an infected female dog to a puppy
What Can Be Done to Protect Dogs From Leishmaniasis?
Compliance with hygienic conditions, continuity in correct and healthy nutrition routines, timely application of protective parasitic drugs and of course regular veterinary checks; They are indispensable for a healthy and sustainable life for all living things. In addition to these requirements, the factors to be considered in order to prevent leishmaniasis in dogs are as follows:
1- To check regularly whether the dog has been bitten by ticks and mosquitoes.
Leishmaniasis is spread by mosquitoes. Therefore, it is important to protect dogs against mosquitoes. It is recommended to use tick and mosquito repellants specially developed for dogs.
2- To be careful and take preventive measures in risky areas.
What Are the Symptoms of Leishmaniasis Disease in Dogs?
Leishmaniasis in dogs has highly variable clinical manifestations. Leishmaniasis is an infection that cannot be controlled by the immune system of the affected dog and can cause serious problems if left unidentified because it does not show obvious symptoms. The progression of the disease is usually slow at first and its development can spread over years. Some dogs have no symptoms, while others may have to deal with serious complaints. Some common symptoms of leishmaniasis include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness and fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Skin lesions (itchy, crusty or hairless areas)
- Eye lesions
- Growth in lymph nodes
- Nose or eye discharge
- Abnormal nail growth
- Enlargement in the spleen
How is Leishmaniasis Diagnosed in Dogs?
Since leishmaniasis in dogs often shows no symptoms until the life-threatening advanced stages, routine blood tests are very important for diagnosing the disease while it is still at a curable stage. The tests that follow the clinical examination to be performed by the veterinarian with the suspicion of leishmaniasis are as follows:
- Blood Tests: One of the most commonly used tests for leishmaniasis is a blood test that measures antigen-antibody levels in infected dogs. This test is very valuable in detecting infection in the early stages of the disease. However, these tests may give misleading results in the early stages of the disease.
- Biopsy: Biopsy of lesions suspected of leishmaniasis is done to confirm the diagnosis of the disease. The presence of parasites is investigated by examining the biopsy sample under a microscope.
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test: This test is very important for detecting the DNA of Leishmania parasites. Unlike other tests, PCR gives highly accurate results and can detect the disease even in its early stages.
How to Treat Leishmaniasis Disease in Dogs?
Treatment of leishmaniasis in dogs; The severity of the infection can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the general health of the dog. However, the treatment established by the physician after the clinical examination may include the following methods:
- Medication: Medications in the treatment of leishmaniasis are used to kill parasites or keep the infection under control. However, since the treatment process can be long, the incidence of side effects of the drugs used is high.
- Supportive Care: Proper and healthy nutrition, not disrupting veterinary checks, and management of symptoms as well as follow-up are important parts of treatment. Because strengthening the immune system is vital in the treatment of leishmaniasis in dogs.
- Blood Transfusion: Dogs' blood cells may be affected due to Leishmaniasis. Therefore, a blood transfusion can support the dog's healthy blood production, thereby increasing its chances of survival.
As with any disease, if the treatment of leishmaniasis is started in the early stages, the success rate increases. The veterinarian will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the dog's health condition and the severity of the disease.
Is Leishmaniasis in Dogs Transmitted to Humans?
Yes, Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through flies, just like dogs. So the dog itself is not a carrier of the disease. Sprays and lotions should be used to remove sandflies from the body in an area where leishmaniasis is present.
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