Leishmaniasis is a serious parasitic disease transmitted by the sandfly, a small mosquito that’s primarily active during the warmer months. This disease mainly affects dogs, though in some cases, it can also appear in cats. It’s especially common in Mediterranean areas like ours and can have very serious consequences if not detected in time.
Symptoms can appear months after infection: skin lesions, ulcers, hair loss (especially around the eyes and muzzle), weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, lameness, apathy, nosebleeds, and in advanced stages, irreversible kidney damage. But in many cases, the first signs are very subtle or non-existent, making regular veterinary check-ups essential.
How to Tell if an Animal is Infected
The most reliable way to detect leishmaniasis is through serological tests, which are performed using a blood sample and indicate whether the immune system has been in contact with the parasite. These tests are recommended once a year, especially before summer. If the result is positive, complementary tests (such as PCR or biochemical analyses) can be done to assess the animal’s general condition and determine the most appropriate treatment.
At Hospital Veterinario Garbí (Carretera N-II, km 643), we offer comprehensive protocols for leishmaniasis prevention, detection, and control, with personalised advice. Collars, spot-ons, vaccines, blood tests… Everything to protect your pet from this disease, which is as common as it is misunderstood.
Don’t wait to see symptoms: timely prevention is the key to a cure.