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LEISHMANIA
SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE
- Skin-problems / ulceration's, crusts, open sores
- Weight-loss with a normal appetite
- Lethargic, no energy
- Nose-bleedings/ eye inflammations
- Internal Problems (Kidney/Liver failure)
- Secondary-infections (often ill)
- Long brittle nail
- Chronic diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
DIAGNOSIS OF LEISHMANIOSIS
An animal is suspected having Leishmania when one or more of the above symptoms occur. A blood sample will give an almost sure diagnosis and in some cases a lymph node biopsy is needed to confirm this illness.
WHAT IF YOUR DOG IS INFECTED WITH LEISHMANIOSIS ?
Is there a risk to your other animals?
The disease is in principle contagious BUT there always has to be a mosquito to transmit the parasite. The risk of getting the disease from your dog is as high as the risk of getting it from a dog on the street or the dog of your neighbours ( because a large part of the dog population is infected).
So it is not necessary to put the dog to sleep.
Is there a risk for yourself or other people?
The disease occurs also in humans but if you have a normal physical condition the risk of direct transmission from a dog is nil. Only people with an immune-deficiency (leukaemia/AIDS), babies and elderly have a increased risk of attracting the disease.
WHAT TREATMENT/CARE DOES MY INFECTED DOG NEED ?
- Additional blood tests are required to determine the state of other organ systems.
- Treatment against Leishmania parasite (tablets or injections or both)
- Treatment for secondary infections/problems.
- Regular blood tests will monitor the effect of treatment and possible complications.
- Extra vitamins and a special diet will improve the treatment results.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT YOUR DOG FROM GETTING LEISHMANIOSIS ?
Blood Screening;
At present we advise to have a regular blood screening test done. In this way we discover early if your dog has been infected by this parasite and start a treatment before symptoms occur.
Improve General Health Status;
- There is a preventive collar: SCALIBOR, which repels the sandfly and also prevents flea and tick infestation.
- Unfortunately there is NO PREVENTIVE VACCINE available.
- Keep your dog in a good physical condition.
- Don't forget the annual vaccinations.
- Give the dog worm-tablets every 3 months.
- Keep the fur of the dog clean and treat regularly against ectoparasites, especially TICKS and FLEAS.
- Keep the dog out of the garden in the evening because then the sandfly is active and the risk of being stung is higher.
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