ABSTRACT
Visceral leishmanial organism of dog. Transmitted by sandfly bite, transplacentally. PPP= Weeks to years. Dx: Amastigotes in macrophages from skin scrapings or biopsies (aspirates) from nodes, bone marrow, or spleen. Serology: IFA and ELISA. Both cross react with Trypanosoma cruzi. Habitat: Macrophages. Similar Species: Leishmania spp. that cause only the cutaneous form of the disease. Range: World. Dogs mainly seen infected in Mediterranean and Brazil, but recent reports of infections in United States (especially Foxhound population) indicate may have more regular transmission here than previously thought. Clinical Signs: Lymphadenopathy, exercise intolerance, weight loss, fever, splenomegally, hyperkeratosis with excessive epidermal scale of muzzle, face and footpads-usually bilaterally symmetrical. Intradermal nodules and ulcers may occur in advanced cases. Long brittle nails. Terminally, renal failure (glomerulonephritis). Potential Zoonosis: Organisms could transfer from dog into wound on people but very low risk. Dogs considered reservoir of infection for vectors where vectors are present. Tx: No single drug or combinations totally curative. Design drug protocol around those available and owner compliance. Monitor renal function.
