Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Current clinical management of canine leishmaniosis in Spain
By Montoya, Ana et al.·Published in Parasites & vectors·2020·Grupo de investigació, Spain·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Latest trends in L. infantum infection in dogs in Spain, Part II: current clinical management and control according to a national survey of veterinary practitioners.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A survey of veterinary clinics in Spain found that dogs with leishmaniosis, a parasitic disease, still commonly show skin lesions as a symptom. The study revealed that veterinarians are using better diagnostic techniques, including blood tests, to confirm the disease and are following updated treatment guidelines. They are also emphasizing preventive measures like annual check-ups and the use of repellents and vaccines to help control the disease. Overall, there has been a positive shift in how veterinarians manage and educate pet owners about leishmaniosis, leading to better outcomes for affected dogs.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a parasitic zoonotic disease, endemic in the Mediterranean basin including Spain. While knowledge about CanL, its management, treatment, prevention and control mounts, it remains unclear whether all clinical veterinarians follow the same international recommendations, such as those of the LeishVet group. This study was thus designed to assess recent trends in the clinical management of CanL in veterinary clinics across Spain through a questionnaire-based survey. Results were compared with those of a prior national multicenter questionnaire administered by our research team in 2005. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 28 questions about CanL was developed using Google Forms and distributed by email to 1428 veterinary clinics in Spain. Questions were designed to obtain data on common clinical signs, techniques and complementary exams used to diagnose the disease, and on its monitoring, treatment and control measures. Data were collected in a database for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were returned by 295 clinics. Compared to the situation in 2005, responses indicate that clinical signs of CanL have not changed significantly, cutaneous lesions being still the most prevalent sign observed by practitioners. Quantitative serological techniques are considered an adequate approach to diagnosis, provided their results are supported by the findings of a thorough physical exam, as well as complementary tests (complete blood count, biochemical profile, plasma protein electrophoretogram and complete urinalysis). Treatment protocols and check-ups follow international recommendations. Finally, a multimodal approach is being endorsed to adequately control CanL including preventive measures such as annual serological check-ups and the combination of repellents and vaccines. Additionally, owners are being better informed about CanL by veterinarians, which translates to the improved control of this zoonosis. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical management of CanL has recently undergone significant changes owing to improvements in clinical knowledge of the disease, more unified international criteria, improved diagnostic techniques and their adequate interpretation, as well as a greater awareness of the disease transmitted to owners.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32317018/