Visceral canine leishmaniasis: Case report

Abstract

Visceral Canine Leishmaniasis (LVC) is caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania spp., Is a serious disease that affects several species, including the dog that is the largest reservoir of the urban environment and man. It is transmitted by the sting of sandflies where the promastigote form occurs in the vector and the amastigote form occurs in the vertebrate host. Clinical signs manifest themselves according to the degree of infestation and immunity of the host. Diagnosis involves rapid tests, parasitological and serological tests. Treatment is expensive and constant care is needed because of the possibility of clinical signs returning. The best way to combat the disease is through measures aimed at vector control and animal protection. The objective of this work is to report a case of a 3-year-old Border Collie dog with a history of recurrent epistaxis, periocular alopecia, lesions in the nostrils, dry seborrhea in the ears and cervico-thoracic region, coming from the municipality of Uberaba, attended at the AmisVet Clinic, addressing the animal's clinic, diagnosis and treatment. The ELISA confirmed the diagnosis of Visceral Canine Leishmaniasis. The treatment was performed with miltefosine. The animal presented excellent recovery during the treatment period. It is concluded that complementary tests are important, since not all animals are