Leishmaniasis in dogs

[Mr H.A. Noyes]

Leishmaniasis in dogs in much less common than leishmania infection in
dogs. Whilst it is true that treatment frequently fails it is also the case
that many dogs infected with leishmaniasis do not become sick. Consequently
although it may not be possible to eradicate the parasite from your dog,
it may be possible to control any disease with glucantime or amphotericin 
as it arises whilst taking no action when there are no symptoms. 
Although treatment does not always work. Good luck. > 
> I stumbled across this list while searching the Internet for information on
> Leishmaniasis. I have a dog who was diagnosed one year ago with visceral
> Leishmania. The dog came from Italy. The diagnosis was made after isolating
> the organisms from a bone marrow aspirate as well as serology performed at
> the CDC in Atlanta. At the time the dog was in renal failure. I was working
> with a veterinarian from Michigan State University. We began treating the
> dog with Allopurinol. After several months the Leishmania titer decreased
> and no organisms could be found in the bone marrow. However, the titer has
> gradually risen and we are now considering a combination therapy of
> Allopurinol and an antimonial. I would appreciate it, if anyone could give
> me some information on this disease or its treatment in dogs. From my
> understanding, it is incurable in dogs, and if so, I question trying this
> combination therapy. If you could offer me or my univerisity veterinarian
> some literature or a contact that could give some advice or direction I
> would greatly appreciate it. I know this is "just a dog," but he is a very
> special member of my family and I will do whatever I can to either cure him
> or help him live with this disease. Thank you very much.
> Debra Quaka, DDS
>