Canine trypanosomosis cases: monitor lizard as an unusual vector.

Abstract

Trypanosomosis is a well-known sub-Saharan disease. The human form was discovered in The Gambia over 100 years ago. Canine trypanosomosis in The Gambia has never been mentioned in the scientific literature, let alone the involvement of veranus species in its transmission to dogs. The disease's most important vector is the tsetse fly. This fly is abundant in The Gambia, and its infamy for transmitting the disease has been well established. A lot of research efforts have been put into understanding the critical role of this pest in the transmission of the protozoan and the disease in livestock. This report confirms the presence of the disease in domestic dogs in The Gambia, and three canine cases with varied clinical signs, different hematological pictures accompanying the disease, and different effective treatment approaches are reported. Early detection can prevent severe illness and help patients to recover better. This report enhances our understanding on canine trypanosomosis, transmission of the pathogen, and strategies for managing the disease. This report is significant, as it is the first mention of monitor lizards in the 'transmission of trypanosome parasites to dogs during the fighting between them.