If anyone lives in Greece, they have probably heard of the famous "kalazar" or "leishmaniasis".
Leishmaniasis, or kala-azar, is a parasitic disease caused by the bite of a mosquito infected with the Leishmania parasite. The disease is widespread in southern Europe, so the Mediterranean countries and regions are high-risk zones. Today, more than two-thirds of dogs in southern Europe have come into contact with the parasite, with a tendency for the disease to spread to countries further north, due to climate change and a greater number of people traveling with their dogs.
What happens when our dog gets infected? And what are the symptoms?
A dog infected with the parasite can be sick or carry the parasite for many months or years without clinical symptoms. The immune system plays a crucial role in the development, progression and clinical manifestation of the disease. Once our dog's immune system is weakened, the parasite "will not miss an opportunity" to begin its multiplication.
The most common symptoms associated with the disease are numerous:
- Anorexia/reduced appetite and weight loss.
- Muscle atrophy, often found mainly in the temporal region of the head
- Weakness/depression, loss of energy and fatigue
- Skin problems: dandruff and skin lesions
- Dull and brittle coat, with thinning or loss of hair in some areas
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Inflammation of the joints
- Pyrexia
- Gastrointestinal problems: diarrhea/vomiting, etc.
This parasite tends to multiply in the lymph nodes and spleen. Approximately one-third of dogs that are infected will develop lymphadenopathy, an enlarged spleen, and will progress to kidney failure. As many as ninety percent of dogs will develop skin problems.
If our dog displays one or more of the above symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that it has leishmaniasis. If we observe any symptom, it would be a good idea to inform our veterinarian so that the necessary tests can be performed.
What can I do to prevent my dog from getting bitten by mosquitoes? Is there any prevention?
Of course there is! A monthly ampoule, an antiparasitic collar and in the summer months we can spray the parts of the body with less or no hair with citronella spray for extra coverage. Also, the vaccine against leishmaniasis is one of the most important preventive measures in combination with the above.
Let's not forget that prevention is always better than cure!
Is there a treatment and what is its goal? Is kala-azar life-threatening for our dog?
Treatment of leishmaniasis requires close veterinary monitoring. There are several pharmaceutical products available (e.g. allopurinol, antimony meglumine, miltefosine, domperidone) for the treatment of the disease, which are often used in combination. Depending on the results of specific diagnostic tests, the veterinarian will decide whether to start any treatment and which treatment regimen to follow.
It is important to note that the available treatment protocols most often do not eliminate the parasite from the infected dog. The purpose of the treatment is to suppress and drastically reduce the parasite population in the body, as well as to resolve the clinical symptoms that we mentioned earlier. Puppies that have been infected with the parasite in their lives are much more prone to relapse or re-infection with it. Blood tests and good deworming are necessary!
Unfortunately, this disease can cost our little friend's life if appropriate measures are not taken, which is why it is essential to follow the instructions of the treating veterinarian to the letter.
The role of nutrition
The role of nutrition is quite important for us as it is for our beloved dog. It has been proven that a balanced diet is associated with optimal immune response and limitation of disease progression.
In many commercial foods, due to the intensive processing of foods, nutrients are lost and protein levels are reduced, both in quantity and quality. An incorrect or incomplete diet, leading to high blood sugar levels, high levels of glycemic carbohydrates, gluten sensitivity and deficiencies in magnesium, zinc and vitamin D , can favor the appearance of inflammation and consequently contribute to the weakening of the immune system and the onset or recurrence of chronic diseases such as leishmaniasis.
Our favorite "omega 3" fatty acids also play an important role in the diet! The beneficial properties of these fats equally participate in the prevention of inflammation, in the normal functioning of the heart, brain, eyes and improve the integrity of the skin barrier. We said that a large percentage of dogs suffering from the disease exhibit skin problems, so a diet rich in Omega 3 fats is extremely important.
Is there any medication for leishmaniasis that limits our dietary choices?
Yes, the drug called "allopurinol", which is used for a long time and should often be accompanied by a special diet low in purines.
What are purines and why should the diet be low in them?
Purines are natural substances found in plant and animal cells, so they are found in any food group but are higher in foods such as meat and fish. They are essential for the synthesis of DNA in every organism. When purines are broken down, uric acid is created, which is excreted in the urine.
Allopurinol reduces the production of uric acid and has been traditionally used in humans to prevent the appearance of uric acid and calcium oxalate uroliths. On the other hand, long-term administration of the drug in high doses to dogs can be the cause of the formation of other types of uroliths called "xanthine uroliths". Xanthinuria is a common complication that we find in dogs receiving allopurinol as part of the therapeutic management of leishmaniasis. Therefore, if our dog continues to consume foods with a high purine content in combination with the drug allopurinol, the chances of forming xanthine stones are greater. Thus, when the treatment regimen includes the administration of the drug allopurinol, a diet low in purines is quite important to avoid urinary tract lithiasis.
Can I give my dog petchef if he has leishmaniasis?
If your dog's treatment stage does not include the co-administration of allopurinol and there is no other underlying disease (e.g. kidney disease) that requires a special diet, of course!
Petchef uses raw materials from fresh ingredients, which are rich in vitamins and trace elements. It is now known that the benefits of a good diet are multiple and especially in dogs with chronic diseases such as leishmaniasis we want good foundations for a strong immune system and healthy skin.
Iro Vigou DVM/MSc
Athens Vet -Modern Veterinary Clinics