Leishmaniasis
 
Description of the Disease and Clinical Presentation
Leishmaniasis is a protozoal infection transmitted through the bites of sandflies of the Phlebotomum genus. The disease most commonly occurs in endemic areas such as the Mediterranean basin, Central, and South America. Visceral and cutaneous forms of the disease develop several weeks to several years after the initial infection. The first changes appear on the skin of the head, in the form of alopecia and exfoliative dermatitis with silvery dry scales. In some cases, erosions and ulcerations are present, along with cutaneous nodules, nasodigital hyperkeratosis, and extremely long and brittle nails. Affected animals often have decreased appetite, lose weight, suffer muscle wasting, show reluctance to move, and are in a poor mood. In advanced stages of the disease, polydipsia and polyuria occur due to impaired kidney function. In cats, the disease is much less common, and the changes are usually in the form of nodular or crusted dermatitis localized on the ear pinnae, eyelids, lips, and nose.
 
Therapy
Suspicion of this condition is based on the cytological examination of lymph node aspirates, and it is confirmed by PCR testing or serologically (ELISA, IFAT, ICS). The therapy depends on the overall health condition, primarily on the functional state of the kidneys. At this moment, leishmaniasis is considered an incurable disease, and remissions are common. The most commonly used combination is allopurinol and meglumine antimoniate or miltefosine. In endemic regions, it is most important to protect animals with ectoparasiticides that have a repellent effect on sandflies (preparations with permethrin and deltamethrin).
 
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(oculusklinika@gmail.com) in Serbia, Europe to schedule an appointment so your pet
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