Leishmaniasis is a serious parasitic disease that is becoming increasingly common in dogs, especially in Germany. Without proper treatment, this disease can be fatal. This guide provides you with all the important information about the symptoms, treatment options, necessary preventive measures, and the costs that may arise if your dog contracts leishmaniasis.
Table of Contents
- Definition – What is Leishmaniasis?
- The Three Forms of Leishmaniasis
- A Sand Fly Bite – How Your Dog Gets Leishmaniasis
- Zoonosis – Can Leishmaniasis Be Transmitted to Humans?
- Resistances – Not Every Dog Gets Sick
- Symptoms – How Does Leishmaniasis Manifest in Dogs?
- Diagnosis – How Leishmaniasis Is Detected
- Course of Leishmaniasis – The Four Stages
- Therapy – How Long Can a Dog with Leishmaniasis Live?
- Medical Treatment for Leishmaniasis
- Prevention – Protect Your Dog from Leishmaniasis
- Adopting a Dog with Leishmaniasis
- Our Recommendation – Low-Purine Dog Food for Leishmaniasis
- Costs – What Costs Arise from the Treatment of Leishmaniasis?
Definition – What is Leishmaniasis?
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the parasite Leishmania infantum, primarily transmitted by the bite of the sand fly. This type of mosquito is mainly prevalent in the Mediterranean region, in countries such as Italy, Spain, and France. However, due to climate change, the sand fly is increasingly found in Central Europe, including Germany. The infection is often referred to as a "travel disease" because many dogs become infected during a vacation in affected areas. Dogs imported from abroad, especially from animal welfare organizations, are also frequently affected and should be tested for leishmaniasis.
When infected, the parasites attack the dog's immune system, which can lead to severe damage to vital organs and joints. Without treatment, the disease is life-threatening. Early diagnosis and therapy are therefore crucial.
The Three Forms of Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis in dogs occurs in three different forms, which differ in their symptoms and affected body areas:
Visceral Leishmaniasis (internal leishmaniasis)
This form affects the dog's internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Symptoms can be diverse and include weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and enlarged lymph nodes. The visceral form is the most dangerous and life-threatening without treatment.
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (skin leishmaniasis)
This is the skin form of the disease. It manifests as skin changes such as ulcers, scaling, and hair loss. These changes can spread over the dog's entire body and are often the first visible sign of an infection.
Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (mucous membrane leishmaniasis)
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis affects both the mucous membranes and the skin. It can lead to ulcerative lesions, particularly in the facial area. This form is rarer but difficult to treat.
A Sand Fly Bite – How Your Dog Gets Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of an infected female sand fly. The mosquito picks up the parasites when it feeds on the blood of an infected animal and then transmits them to another host, such as your dog, during its next bite. The disease is transmitted similarly to canine malaria (babesiosis). In addition to infection by mosquito bites, the disease can also be transmitted through bite injuries between dogs, during mating, or from a pregnant female to her puppies. Humans can also contract the disease from the bite of an infected mosquito, with young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems being particularly at risk.
Zoonosis – Can Leishmaniasis Be Transmitted to Humans?
Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis, meaning that theoretically, transmission between dogs and humans, as well as among dogs, is possible. Although veterinarians often recommend separating leishmaniasis-positive and -negative dogs in waiting rooms, no clear case of direct transmission from dog to human has yet been proven.
The main risk of infection for humans exists primarily through direct blood contact, for example, through blood transfusions. In practice, there is hardly any risk of infection for dog owners from their leishmaniasis-positive dogs with normal hygiene measures. However, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.
Resistances – Not Every Dog Gets Sick
An important and often overlooked aspect: Not every dog infected with Leishmania actually gets sick. Both humans and dogs can develop natural resistance to leishmaniasis. Although they are infected by the mosquito bite, they remain healthy – this is called a subclinical infection.
It is estimated that about half of dogs in Mediterranean areas are infected with Leishmania without showing symptoms. A non-antibody-based cellular immune defense plays a crucial role here and offers natural protection against the outbreak or significantly mitigates the course of the disease. Nevertheless, leishmaniasis should not be underestimated: if the immune system is weakened, the disease can break out at any time and cause severe damage to internal organs.
Symptoms – How Does Leishmaniasis Manifest in Dogs?
Leishmaniasis is a complex disease with a wide range of symptoms that can appear months or even years after infection. Some dogs remain asymptomatic, while others become severely ill. The symptoms depend heavily on the dog's immune system's reaction to the parasites. Common signs include:
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin inflammations on the ears, nose, and around the eyes (often referred to as "spectacle formation")
- Loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Excessive nail growth, often associated with inflammation
- Increased thirst and increased urination
- Pale mucous membranes
- Fever
- Nosebleeds
In advanced stages, leishmaniasis can lead to severe organ damage, particularly to the kidneys, which can result in kidney-related dietary needs if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to seek veterinary advice quickly if leishmaniasis is suspected.
Diagnosis – How Leishmaniasis Is Detected
The diagnosis of leishmaniasis is often difficult because many symptoms are non-specific and can also occur with other diseases. If your dog shows typical symptoms or comes from a risk area, a blood test should be performed. This usually shows characteristic changes in red and white blood cells. In addition, special laboratory tests, such as the detection of Leishmania or antibodies in the blood, can provide clarity. A PCR test with samples from the bone marrow or lymph nodes offers additional certainty in diagnosis.
Another important diagnostic tool is protein electrophoresis (PEP), which helps to determine the severity of the disease and monitor the success of treatment. This involves separating blood proteins into different fractions and measuring the concentrations of albumin and globulins. A low albumin-globulin ratio can indicate an acute illness, while protein levels may appear normal in the chronic stage of leishmaniasis.
Course of Leishmaniasis – The Four Stages
Leishmaniasis progresses in four stages, which differ in the intensity of symptoms and the degree of organ involvement:
- Initial stage: In the first stage, affected dogs show only mild symptoms, such as slight skin inflammations. Due to the low or absent antibody titers in the blood, diagnosis at this stage is often difficult. Close observation of the dog is necessary to detect the disease early.
- Moderate disease: In the second stage, symptoms intensify, including severe skin inflammations, weight loss, and loss of appetite. The antibody titer in the blood is now measurable, and a diagnosis can be made, allowing for early treatment.
- Severe disease: In the third stage, in addition to the known symptoms, eye inflammations also occur. The organs begin to be seriously damaged by the disease, especially the kidneys, often leading to chronic kidney disease. Without treatment, the disease often ends fatally at this stage.
- End stage: In the end stage, the organs are severely affected, and life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolisms and severe kidney diseases occur. The prognosis at this stage is poor, and often euthanasia remains the only humane option.
Therapy – How Long Can a Dog with Leishmaniasis Live?
Untreated, the life expectancy of a dog with leishmaniasis is often only two to three years. Many animals die prematurely from kidney-related dietary needs or have to be euthanized due to severe organ damage. Early and consistent treatment is therefore essential.
Therapy aims to alleviate symptoms and control the spread of parasites. Allopurinol is the most commonly used drug that inhibits the growth of Leishmania. However, it also increases the risk of urinary stone formation, which is why a low-purine diet for the dog is recommended. Other drugs such as Glucantime (meglumine antimonate) and miltefosine are also used, but they have stronger side effects and are usually only used in severe cases. Lifelong therapy is necessary as the disease is not fully curable.
Medical Treatment for Leishmaniasis
The treatment of leishmaniasis in dogs requires the use of various medications that aim to inhibit the growth of parasites and alleviate symptoms. However, since the pathogens cannot be completely eliminated, lifelong therapy is necessary. The medications used can be divided into three main categories: leishmanistatics, leishmanicides, and immunomodulators. While leishmanistatics slow down the growth of Leishmania, leishmanicides aim to kill the parasites. Immunomodulators, on the other hand, support the dog's immune system by altering and improving the immune response to the pathogens.
The most common drug in the treatment of leishmaniasis is allopurinol, which is administered orally and effectively alleviates the symptoms of the disease. However, allopurinol increases the risk of urinary stone formation and kidney disease, which is why combination therapy with other medications is often required. Despite these potential side effects, the medications significantly contribute to improving the dog's quality of life. A drug-free treatment for leishmaniasis is not yet possible.
Overview – Medications for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis
The dosages listed here are general recommendations. The exact therapy and dosage should always be determined in consultation with a veterinarian.
Allopurinol for Dogs:
As a leishmanistatic, allopurinol is the preferred drug for long-term treatment of leishmaniasis. It inhibits the growth of parasites and can be used in combination with other medications. The usual dosage is 10 mg per kg body weight every twelve hours. Side effects such as the formation of xanthine stones and kidney diseases are possible, so a low-purine diet is recommended.
Glucantime (Meglumine Antimonate) for Dogs:
This leishmanicide has a殺parasitic effect and is usually injected subcutaneously once a day for 28 days (100 mg per kg body weight). It can cause painful swelling at the injection sites, as well as diarrhea and vomiting. Prolonged use can increase the risk of kidney and heart damage, which is why Glucantime should only be used as a last resort.
Miltefosine (Milteforan) for Dogs:
Miltefosine also belongs to the leishmanicides and leads to cell death of the parasites, but does not completely eliminate them. Treatment typically lasts 28 days, with 2 mg per kg body weight administered daily. To avoid side effects such as digestive problems, miltefosine should be given with food and not on an empty stomach. Other side effects may include fatigue, loss of appetite, and general malaise. Miltefosine is not suitable for pregnant or lactating bitches or breeding animals.
Domperidone for Dogs:
As an immunomodulator, domperidone influences the dog's immune response and can suppress the development of symptoms. It is often used for the prevention of leishmaniasis or in combination with other medications. The dosage is usually 1 mg per kg body weight. Since domperidone is also used at higher doses for abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, these side effects may occur. Another possible side effect is the induction of a false pregnancy.
Prevention – Protect Your Dog from Leishmaniasis
The best prevention against leishmaniasis is to protect your dog from sand fly bites. You can achieve this with special collars, spot-on preparations, and mosquito nets. Keep your dog indoors during dusk and night, as mosquitoes are particularly active during this time. Vaccination against leishmaniasis is also possible and is highly recommended for dogs traveling to risk areas. This vaccination reduces the risk of disease but does not offer complete protection.
Adopting a Dog with Leishmaniasis
Adopting a dog with leishmaniasis requires special responsibility. Inform yourself thoroughly about the disease and its treatment options before making a decision. Caring for such a dog can be time-consuming and costly, as regular blood tests, medications, and special food are necessary. Be aware that leishmaniasis can promote other diseases, which incurs additional costs.
It is also important to take precautions to minimize the risk of spreading the disease, especially if you have other pets or live with people with weakened immune systems. With proper care and veterinary support, however, a dog with leishmaniasis can lead a fulfilling life.
Our Recommendation – Low-Purine Dog Food for Leishmaniasis
If your dog is being treated with allopurinol, a low-purine diet is particularly important to minimize the risk of urinary stone formation.
Fundamentally, the term "low-purine" is unfortunately not legally regulated. The 100mg per 100g mark is often mentioned, although it is not always clear whether this refers to the pure purine content or the uric acid equivalent.
As BugBell, we have decided to use the term "low-purine" when the total uric acid content (not just the purine content!) is below 80mg/100g of product. By reducing purine-containing ingredients, potential discomfort can be alleviated and your dog's health can be supported. You can find the purine content of our products under the Composition tab.
BugBell Dog Food for Leishmaniasis →
On this page, you will find All products that you can feed for leishmaniasis.
Our vegan cans have a total uric acid content of between 21-50 mg/100g. They are based on high-quality, plant-based ingredients such as chickpeas, fava beans, lupins, and potato protein, all of which provide all necessary nutrients while relieving the dog's purine metabolism.
Costs – What are the costs of treating leishmaniasis?
The treatment of leishmaniasis is usually long-term and associated with high costs. These vary depending on the severity of the disease, the required therapy, and the size of the dog. Here is an overview of typical costs:
- Cost of Leishmaniasis test: €50 to €80 per test, up to four times a year
- Cost of blood tests: €25 to €50 per examination
- Cost of medication (e.g., allopurinol): approximately €15 for 100 tablets, monthly costs for a 10 kg dog approximately €9
- Cost of special food: depends on the manufacturer and the dog's weight, usually necessary for life
In addition, if the disease recurs, coatther medications may be required, which can incur costs of up to €500. Overall, the expenses for treating leishmaniasis add up significantly over your dog's lifetime.
Conclusion: Leishmaniasis is a serious disease that requires early diagnosis and consistent therapy. With the right treatment and a low-purine diet, your dog's quality of life can be improved, and its life expectancy significantly extended. Pay attention to the first symptoms and seek veterinary advice immediately if you suspect anything. If you take all precautions, you can enable your dog to live a happy life despite the diagnosis.
