Leishmania and Leishmaniasis Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in Dogs

Leishmania, which can affect dogs and other mammals including humans, and causes a dangerous disease called Laishmaniasis, is a type of protozoan parasite. For Leishmaniasis to occur in dogs, they must be bitten by female phlebotomycin sandflies. It is known that more than 23 Leishmania species have been identified, most of which are zoonotic. The most important Leishmania species affecting pets is L. infantum. This disease, which can also be seen in our country, can lead to dangerous consequences. In this article, you can find information about Laishmaniasis in dogs. Leishmaniasis in Dogs Leishmaniasis in dogs causes two separate types of infection. One is a skin infection and the other is an abdominal organ infection. The disease occurs when the active parasites from female phlebotomycin sandflies are transmitted to the host's skin. The parasites transmitted by the flies begin to multiply in the skin where the infection occurs. Then they progress to the abdominal organs such as the liver, lymph nodes, intestines, kidneys, and spleen.

Leishmaniasis in Dogs

Leishmaniasis in dogs causes two distinct types of infection. One is a skin infection, and the other is an abdominal organ infection. The disease occurs when the active parasites from female phlebotomin sandflies are transmitted to the host's skin. The parasites transmitted by the flies begin to multiply on the skin where the infection occurs. It then progresses to intra-abdominal organs such as the liver, lymph nodes, intestines, kidneys, and spleen.

What are the Symptoms of Leishmaniasis in Dogs?

As mentioned earlier, Leishmaniasis in dogs can manifest in two distinct forms. Almost all dogs infected with this parasite develop visceral, or abdominal, organ infections. Skin involvement is expected in 90% of cases. Clinical signs of the abdominal type include anorexia, fever, weakness, decreased exercise capacity, severe and sudden weight loss, vomiting, nosebleeds, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. In some dogs, swollen lymph nodes, spleen enlargement, kidney failure, joint inflammation, and testicular swelling in male dogs may also be observed. Loss of appetite in dogs, as is known, can occur in many different situations and requires immediate veterinary consultation if it becomes persistent. You can find detailed information on this topic by reading our article titled "What Causes Loss of Appetite in Dogs?".

The most common clinical signs of the cutaneous form of Leishmaniasis are thickening and hardening of the skin on the paws. In many dogs, the color of these skin tissues may change as the disease progresses. Nodules and hardening may occur on the skin. Coat health is also affected by Leishmaniasis. The fur becomes dull, weak, and localized hair loss occurs on the body.

Some dogs exposed to Leishmania parasites may not show any signs or symptoms of the disease. In this case, it is an asymptomatic case. In asymptomatic dogs, the parasites can remain dormant for years. However, this does not prevent them from spreading the disease.

How is Leishmaniasis Diagnosed in Dogs?

When symptoms of Leishmaniasis appear in dogs, people consult veterinarians because they suspect an anomaly, even though they may not know exactly why these symptoms occur. Before diagnosis, the symptoms observed in dogs are evaluated and a complete physical examination is performed. Blood tests are often done, and tissue samples may be taken from the skin, lymph nodes, or internal organs. Microscopic examination and culture, molecular biological methods, and serological tests to investigate the presence of antibodies against viruses, bacteria, or parasites in the body may be used in combination. The decision on which method or methods to apply during diagnosis is made by veterinarians on a case-by-case basis.

How is Leishmaniasis Treated in Dogs?

Alternative treatments may be tried as part of the treatment of Leishmaniasis in dogs. If skin lesions are infected, supportive drug treatments including intravenous fluid support, special diets, and antibiotics may be initiated. Treatment plans are determined by considering the type of disease and the symptoms it causes in the dog. For example, if a dog is asymptomatic, no treatment options may be considered. If treatment is to be applied, it is continued for several months, and the process is terminated if blood test results return to normal. This disease can be successfully managed when treated promptly and correctly. However, it can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. At this point, it is important to take precautions against kidney failure in dogs due to Leishmaniasis. Because in the majority of dogs that die, the Leishmania parasite progresses to kidney failure. How to Prevent Leishmaniasis in Dogs? The most fundamental factor for parasite transmission is bites from flies carrying the Leishmania parasite. If no precautions are taken for dogs living in areas where these flies are present, the risk of infection can rise to around 20%. This risk increases significantly if the dog lives in a rural area and stays outdoors. Sexual contact and birth from an infected female dog are also among the routes of transmission. Therefore, it is important to take dogs for regular veterinary checkups and general health checks. It is also recommended that dogs wear parasite collars to protect them from fly bites.

How to Prevent Leishmania in Dogs?

The primary factor for parasite transmission is bites from flies carrying the Leishmania parasite. If no precautions are taken, the risk of infection for dogs living in areas where these flies are prevalent can reach around 20%. This risk increases significantly if the dog lives in a rural area and stays outdoors. Sexual contact and birth from an infected female dog are also possible routes of transmission. Therefore, it is important to take dogs for regular veterinary checkups and general health checks. It is also recommended that dogs wear parasite collars to protect them from fly bites.