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SHEET Leishmaniasis
Health info sheet

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that mainly affects dogs, more rarely cats. Transmission is mainly by the bite of an insect: the sandfly. Transmission by mating between affected breeding dogs has been reported.

The geographical distribution of the sandfly is essentially throughout the Mediterranean region with an extension along the Rhone Valley but currently many foci of leishmaniasis are found in many places throughout France.
The clinical signs are varied, non-specific and depend on the animal's immune system.

The vast majority of dogs are able to control the parasite and eliminate it. For others the evolution is more or less rapid, sometimes over years.

Some breeds seem more susceptible: Boxer, Rottweiler, Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd.

The signs observed are: general signs, adenomegaly, fever, weight loss, dermatological, ophthalmological, locomotor and digestive signs.

Complications of renal failure are frequent.

The diagnosis is based on the demonstration of the parasite (lymph node puncture, bone marrow, biopsies) and especially on the assay of antibodies by immunofluorescence on a blood sample.
Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis, ie it can affect humans under certain conditions (8-10 cases per year in France). It is especially a risk for immunocompromised people. The cohabitation of a person at risk with a dog suffering from leishmaniasis will require a dialogue with the veterinarian to discuss the issue and the modalities of the treatment which will be accompanied by regular monitoring as well as the essential implementation of a treatment. permanent insecticide based on permethrins.

The treatment will call upon the association of two products, Glucantime® in the form of injections for 28 days and Zyloric® in tablets permanently. The results are inconsistent. Some dogs may be much improved clinically but still not be able to get rid of the parasite. Relapses are frequent. Regular clinical and blood monitoring is essential.


Protection is based on vaccination requiring an annual booster and on the use of antiparasitic products based on permethrins (collars, pipettes) during the period of activity of the sandfly (early spring - late autumn).
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