Canine leishmaniasis: symptoms, transmission and treatment

Canine leishmaniasis is a serious parasitic disease that can evolve silently and compromise different organs, especially the kidneys. Transmission occurs mainly by the bite of the female straw mosquito (Lutzomyia longipalpis) infected by the protozoan Leishmania infantum. Dr. Lysandra Barbieri (CRMV-SP 44484), a veterinarian at Cobasi, explains the symptoms, transmission, treatment and ways to prevent leishmaniasis in dogs.

What is canine leishmaniasis?

Canine leishmaniasis is an infectious and parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In Brazil, the most frequent form in dogs is canine visceral leishmaniasis, also known as canine calazar, caused mainly by the species Leishmania infantum. After infection, the parasite invades defense cells and can spread throughout the body. The evolution depends on the immune response of each dog: some animals remain asymptomatic, while others develop changes in the skin, eyes, blood, kidneys and other organs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KR3Y5fbHzo

Video: YouTube | Source: blog.cobasi.com.br

How does transmission occur?

Transmission occurs mainly by the bite of the infected mosquito-straw, and not by direct contact with the dog. During the bite, the vector deposits infectious forms of Leishmania on the dog's skin. The main transmission cycle involves the bite of the infected female phlebotomine, known as mosquito-straw. The small size and twilight and nocturnal habits of the vector make it difficult to control and prevent actions.

Symptoms vary and can be silent

Some dogs have slimming, skin lesions and exaggerated nail growth, while others may remain without visible signs for months or years. The most common symptoms include slimming, apathy, skin lesions, hair loss, and overgrowth of nails. Some dogs may show no signs of the disease. The infection can affect the skin, eyes, and joints, as well as compromise internal organs such as kidneys, liver, and spleen.

Diagnosis requires veterinary evaluation

Warning: Symptoms can be confused with those of other diseases. The infection cannot be confirmed or ruled out just by the appearance of the dog. When you notice changes, seek out a veterinary surgeon. The diagnosis depends on veterinary evaluation and laboratory tests, such as serological, parasitological and PCR tests.

Treatment and prevention

Although there is no proven parasitological cure, treatment can control the symptoms and improve the quality of life of the dog. Prevention involves the use of mosquito-straw repellent collars, cleaning the environment and veterinary monitoring. The immature phases of the straw mosquito develop in humid, shaded and organically rich places. Therefore, basic sanitation, environmental management and awareness of the population are fundamental to reduce the proliferation of the vector.

Zoonosis and Public Health

Leishmaniasis is also a zoonosis of public health importance as it can affect animals and humans. Leishmaniasis belongs to the group of neglected tropical diseases and represents an important public health problem. According to PAHO/WHO, Brazil accounts for about 92% of human cases of visceral leishmaniasis recorded in the Americas. The data does not represent canine infections, but demonstrates the relevance of the disease in the country.

Types of Leishmaniasis in Dogs

Dogs can be infected by different species of Leishmania. The main forms are canine visceral leishmaniasis, more frequent and relevant in Brazil, and tegumentary leishmaniasis, considered less common in domestic animals. Relevant information about the types of the disease is that the presence of skin lesions does not necessarily mean integumentary leishmaniasis. Canine visceral leishmaniasis can also cause wounds, peeling and hair loss, as well as changes in internal organs. Only veterinary evaluation and laboratory tests can determine the form of infection.

Challenges in disease control

In the episode of Cobasi Cast on leishmaniasis, Kathia Almeida, a veterinarian at MSD Saúde Animal, highlights two challenges for the control of the disease: the reduced size and the twilight and nocturnal habits of the vector hinder the control and prevention actions; and the immature phases of the mosquito-straw develop in humid, shaded and rich in organic matter. Therefore, basic sanitation, environmental management and awareness of the population are fundamental to reduce the proliferation of the vector.

To protect your dog and his family, keep the environment clean, wear repellent collars, and take the animal regularly to the veterinarian. In case of suspicion, seek professional advice immediately.

Read Also

Cat feels cold? See signs and how to warm your pet

Font

blog.cobasi.com.br