Leishmaniasis in Dogs Marbella Spain

As just mentioned in my newsletter, there is now a vaccination against Leishmania.  You can read it here on a Marbella Vets Website

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of the sandfly.   We have been aware of Leishmaniasis since we bought our dog a couple of years ago.  Vets normally advise the dog to wear a Scalibor Collar.

Leishmaniasis has been described to us as the Malaria for dogs.  Once in their system, it never leaves, but it can be controlled.

This summer, I noticed our little dog (a Pug) wasn´t himself.  Hair was missing around his ears and face.  He had some skin problems and was very "down".  

So I took him to the vets where they did a blood analysis, and, as I had thought, our Pug had Leishmania.  He had it at medium level, so he had had it for a while.  

He was put on some strong medication called Milteforan for one month.  Also taking these tablets that he must take every day for the rest of his life and some strong vitamins.

He is much better and a few weeks ago, he went back for another blood test, where the Leishmania came back as "negative".  

He continues with his tablets everyday and he is much happier.  Although, he does have alot more "down days" where he seems very lethargic and sad.

Once you start mentioning Leishmaniasis, people either say "oh yes my dog has this" or "what is that?".

There are so many dogs in my area that have leishmaniasis, its quite unbeleivable.

Please do get a Scalibor Collar.  If you dog is looking a little bit down, or you see has been loosing hair, take to the vets and ask for a blood test.

Its very common now.