Canine Leishmaniosis, often referred to as CanL, is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania. This disease primarily affects dogs but can also affect other mammals, including humans. In this blog, we will delve into the various aspects of Canine Leishmaniosis, including its etiology, causes, symptoms, transmission, consequences, prevention measures, diagnosis methods, and treatment.

What is Canine Leishmaniosis?

Canine Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by the Leishmania parasite, transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected sandflies. This parasitic infection can lead to a range of clinical manifestations, affecting various organs such as the skin, spleen, liver, and lymph nodes.

Various species of Leishmania are responsible for causing the disease, with Leishmania infantum being the primary culprit in many parts of the world. This parasite is endemic to the Mediterranean basin, South America, and Central and Southwest Asia, and is the most widespread Leishmania species.

Symptoms of Canine Leishmaniosis:

Canine Leishmaniosis (CanL) can manifest with a variety of symptoms, and the severity of the disease can vary from mild to severe. Symptoms include;

• Skin issues like nodules, ulcers, and hair loss around the eyes, ears, muzzle, and footpads.
• Systemic signs such as weight loss, lethargy, weakness, and fever may be observed. Swollen lymph nodes, especially around the neck and shoulders, are common.
• Ocular symptoms like conjunctivitis and uveitis can occur, along with joint pain, lameness, and arthritis.
• Renal symptoms may manifest as increased thirst and urination, while gastrointestinal issues like loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea may also be present.
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  It’s important to note that not all dogs infected with Leishmania parasites will display symptoms. Some may carry the infection without apparent clinical signs, acting as asymptomatic carriers. Additionally, the progression and severity of symptoms can vary widely among individual dogs.

  Transmission of CanL

  Dogs can become infected with Canine Leishmaniosis (CanL) through the bite of an infected sandfly. Here’s how the transmission occurs:

  1. Sandfly Transmission:

  • Female sandflies are the primary vectors responsible for transmitting CanL.
  • When an infected sandfly bites a dog during a blood meal, it injects the infective stage of the Leishmania parasite (promastigotes) into the dog’s bloodstream.

  2. Vector-Borne Transmission:

  • The Leishmania parasites then travel to various tissues within the dog’s body, where they transform into the amastigote stage and replicate.
  • The amastigotes multiply within cells, particularly in organs like the spleen, liver, bone marrow, and skin.