Canine leishmaniasis

What is it? 

Canine Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Surge in dogs over 1 year of age and more frequently in short-haired animals and /or living abroad.

How is it transmitted? 

It can be transmitted to humans by mosquito bites, usually only affecting people whose immune system is inadequate, such as HIV-positive individuals and very small children. The passed to humans in developed countries is very rare.

 Symptoms?

• Weight loss and / or lack of appetite
• Apathy and weakness
• Seborrhea, non-healing wounds Rapid Growth of Nails
• Anemia, Swollen lymph nodes
• Renal failure (drink plenty of water and urinate a lot).
• Digestive disorders: persistent diarrhea, vomiting
• Eye lesions (conjunctivitis and corneal damage)
• Nosebleeds

Diagnosis? 

The definitive diagnosis is made by blood test or survey of Leishmania in bone marrow and lymph node.

 

Evolution? 

Leishmaniasis is a disease of chronic evolution, which untreated leads to death of the animal.Once the disease is diagnosed to begin treatment. Previously analyzes are done to evaluate the clinical status of the animal concerned and its ability to respond to treatment. The treatment is selected depending on the test results.The animal can maintain a good quality of life for many years since I handled properly.

 

Treatment? 

Although there are several treatment protocols is one of the most used:

• 1st month

Daily injections of an active ingredient that destroys the parasite.Medication tablets - an immune stimulant drug and a drug that prevents the multiplication of the parasite

• 2nd month and the following 

They keep the medication in tablet

It is advisable to repeat the tests to monitor the response to treatment, three months after the beginning thereof.The animal can always be carrying the parasite therefore they must make periodic checks of 3 in 3 months to predict and prevent relapse.The females should be sterilized because during estrus decrease their immune defenses leading to relapse.This condition should not be left untreated as the animal is a source of contagion.If the owners do not opt ​​for treatment (for monetary or other issues), is indicated euthanasia of the animals, since in any case without treatment the disease will be deadly. 

Prevention?

• Use insect repellent products
• Avoid walking in areas of rivers or ponds, especially when the morning and the evening, as are periods of increased activity of mosquitoes.
• Ensure a good state of health of the animal to maintain a good immune system - a good food, regular vaccinations and deworming. 

Vaccine?   

It is available the first vaccine against canine leishmaniasis!After 20 years of research carried out by renowned scientists using the most advanced technology of vaccination, is finally available vaccine against canine leishmaniasis. With vaccination can raise the level of protection for your dog against this disease.The full vaccination program includes three injections administered three weeks apart, and giving the dog a lasting internal protection against the disease. After revaccination is needed only a year to maintain the levels of resistance to the immune dog.

Prevention is the best protection!