Leishmaniasis

What is leishmaniasis?

This is a disease caused by a protozoan (single celled) parasite found in dogs and certain rodents in many part of the world. It is important because it also affects humans but there is not direct transmission from dog to humans, or vice versa. The disease is transmitted by a small sandfly (Phlebotomus spp).

Does leishmaniasis occur in Australia?

Thankfully the disease is exotic to Australia (foreign) and our isolation and quarantine have afforded us protection from this disease. The incubation period is from 3-7 months.

What can I do to reduce the risk of my pet getting the disease whilst overseas?

If you are planning to move to an area where leishmaniasis is widespread, do consult us and we will do our best to help. Sandflies look like very tiny mosquitos and obviously sensible precautions must prevail. Do not allow your dog to lie out in humid, flea ridden areas and try to keep your pet with you all the time. Even so you are unlikely to notice the odd opportunist sandfly and that will be the one carrying the Leishmania parasite.

Fly repellents and some ectoparasite sprays will reduce the risk and we will be pleased to advise you.

Is it only dogs that are affected?

No, it does occur in cats and this is rare but foxes can also act as vectors.

What are the signs of the disease?

There are two types of leishmaniasis; the cutaneous form is relatively uncommon in dogs and results in suppurating skin lesions, typically on the extremities, ear, nose, etc. However, this is the usual form seen in cats.

Dogs normally suffer from the visceral form, the first signs of which are usually vague including weight loss, exercise intolerance, and a lack of appetite. Non-itchy sores on the skin may occur and also hair loss and scaling of the skin. Enlargement of the spleen, lymph nodes, and liver can occur which can result in serious illness and death. The eyes can be involved as well, with inflammation in the eye (uveitis), glaucoma, and eyelid ulceration all possible.

"Dogs normally suffer from the visceral form, the first signs of which are usually vague including weight loss, exercise intolerance, and a lack of appetite."

 

Can my dog give it to my cat and other pets when we return home?

No, transmission is not direct from one animal to another, but rather has to be via the sandfly.

Are there any sandflies in Australia?

Not the type that carry Leishmania at present but we do have similar species. A type of tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus is widespread in Australia and this may act as a vector for the disease if it gains entry to our shores.

Are there any other risks?

Leishmaniasis is a serious disease of humans (zoonosis), in other words it affects humans in many parts of the world but not in Australia. In 1992 it was known or suspected to occur in 97 countries. In humans, both visceral and cutaneous forms occur.

If my dog is off colour and showing these vague signs, can the condition be easily diagnosed?

The condition can be diagnosed from blood samples. The problem is that in Australia we are unused to seeing the disease and therefore it may take some time for a positive diagnosis.

Is treatment effective?

Treatment is less effective in dogs than in humans. The organism is never completely eliminated so recurrence of signs is normal. Relapses are common, requiring another round of therapy.