What is dog leishmaniasis?
Leishmaniasis is a deadly disease that affects dogs, a very sensitive species, but also humans and other mammals.
Transmission
It is transmitted by repeated bites of insects called sandflies.
Who is concerned?
Around the Mediterranean basin, all dogs are exposed.
If you live in an area at risk or if you travel outside France and go to a zone at risk, it is important to take precautions.
How to prevent my dog from catching this disease?
Different, specific means of prevention exist against this disease. It is possible to vaccinate your dog to make his immune system capable of fighting the disease.
500,000 dogs have already benefited from vaccination in Europe. This vaccine is made independently of the usual vaccines and can be administered from the age of 6 months.
It is also recommended to fight insects by bringing your dog inside at night and using insect repellents against sandflies. Note that external parasite pesticides are not all effective against sandflies!
How can I tell if my dog is sick?
In case of infection, it is possible that the symptoms do not appear immediately.
The symptoms of the disease can include:
- Weight loss
- Skin problems
- Nosebleeds
- Abnormally long claws
- Lameness
Internal organs are also affected, which can lead to anemia, arthritis, and severe kidney failure. To find out if your dog is sick, your vet can do a screening test.
If my dog is sick, can he be treated?
The available treatments against leishmaniasis are heavy and expensive. They help slow the progression of the disease and space the relapses. For more information, ask your vet for advice.