Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Allopurinol cured visceral leishmaniosis in a sled dog
By Lester, S J & Kenyon, J E·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1996·Central Laboratory for Veterinarians, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of allopurinol to treat visceral leishmaniosis in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A working sled dog was diagnosed with visceral leishmaniosis, a serious disease caused by a parasite, after showing symptoms and having a skin biopsy. The dog was treated with allopurinol, a medication that helped clear the infection over a period of 9 months. After treatment, the dog's symptoms disappeared, and by 12 months, all lab tests showed normal results. Now, 19 months later, the dog is healthy, has not needed any medication, and continues to work as a lead sled dog while also having sired two litters.
People also search for: dog leishmaniosis treatment · allopurinol for dogs · sled dog health issues
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniosis was diagnosed in a working sled dog on the basis of history, clinical signs, and identification of amastigotes in a skin biopsy specimen. Allopurinol was administered as sole treatment for the disease. The drug was given for 9 months, and, during this time, clinical signs of disease resolved. Laboratory abnormalities had resolved by 12 months after diagnosis and 3 months after treatment. The dog has been without medications for 19 months and remains free of clinical signs, has sired 2 litters, and functions well as lead sled dog for a team.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8755981/