Leishmaniasis in Dogs: Signs, Testing and Prevention

Leishmaniasis is one of the most common serious diseases in dogs in Cyprus. The good news is that with the right prevention and an early diagnosis, many dogs live a long and good life.

What is leishmaniasis?

It is a disease caused by a tiny parasite called Leishmania infantum. The parasite is carried by sand flies, very small insects that look like mosquitoes but are much smaller and make no sound.

Sand flies bite mostly from dusk until morning, and mostly in the warm months, roughly from April to November. In Cyprus, with our long summers, the season is long.

How do dogs catch it?

Almost always from the bite of an infected sand fly. Dogs do not catch it from playing with or touching other dogs. That is why prevention is mainly about stopping your dog from being bitten.

What are the signs?

The disease moves slowly. It can take months or even years from the bite until signs appear. Some dogs show nothing for a long time. The most common signs are:

• Hair loss, especially around the eyes, ears and nose
• Dandruff and dry skin
• Sores that do not heal, often on the ears and joints
• Nails that grow very fast
• Weight loss and tiredness
• Nosebleeds
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Drinking and peeing a lot, which can be a sign of kidney problems

If you see any of these, book an appointment. The earlier it is found, the better.

How is it diagnosed?

With a simple blood test that looks for antibodies to the parasite. If the test is positive, we also run a full blood count, biochemistry and a urine test, to see how your dog is doing overall, and especially the kidneys.

At Vet to Pet, blood tests are done in the clinic, so we usually have results the same day.

Can it be treated?

Leishmaniasis does not go away completely. But with the right treatment it can be controlled, and many dogs live well for years, although the disease can come back. Treatment uses medicine and regular check-ups, so we can make sure the disease stays under control and the kidneys stay healthy.

How do we prevent it?

1. Sand fly repellents. There are special collars and spot-on treatments that keep sand flies away. Ask us which one suits your dog and how often to renew it. Careful: some dog products are dangerous for cats, so tell us if you also have a cat at home.
2. Indoors at night. In the warm months, keep your dog inside from dusk until morning if you can.
3. Fine mesh screens. Fine screens on windows help keep the insects out.
4. Vaccine. There is a vaccine for leishmaniasis. It does not replace repellents, but it adds extra protection. We will tell you if it is right for your dog.
5. Yearly test. Even with all of the above, a yearly test finds the disease early.

Can people catch it?

People catch leishmaniasis mainly from a sand fly bite. Catching it directly from a dog is very uncommon, and cases in people are few overall. When you protect your dog from bites, you also help reduce the disease in the whole neighbourhood.

This article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a vet. If you are worried about your pet, please contact us.