What Is Canine Leishmaniasis?
Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a chronic parasitic disease caused by Leishmania infantum, transmitted by the bite of female sandflies. The parasite replicates inside macrophages of the immune system, causing a multi-systemic disease. It is endemic across the Mediterranean — dogs travelling to or from Spain, Portugal, Italy or Greece carry a significant risk.
Symptoms
- Periorbital hair loss ("spectacle" pattern), dry scaly skin.
- Overgrown, curved, brittle nails (onychogryphosis).
- Progressive weight loss despite a good appetite.
- Spontaneous nosebleeds (epistaxis).
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
- Eye problems: uveitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
- In advanced stages: chronic kidney failure.
Diagnosis
Combines clinical signs + lab tests: quantitative ELISA/IFAT (antibody titres) and PCR (bone marrow, lymph node, blood). The ClinLeish staging system (I–IV) guides treatment decisions.
Treatment
Standard protocol: meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) 100 mg/kg/day SC for 28-30 days + allopurinol 10 mg/kg twice daily indefinitely. Alternative: miltefosine for 28 days + allopurinol. Regular monitoring every 3-6 months.
Prevention
- Repellent collar (Seresto, Scalibor) — the most effective sandfly protection.
- Permethrin spot-ons every 3-4 weeks during risk season (May–October).
- Vaccination: CaniLeish or Letifend for seronegative dogs.
- Avoid walks at dusk and dawn in endemic areas in summer.
- Insect-proof screens in high-risk homes.