About Leishmaniasis and other Endemic Disease
Spanish Greyhound, Podenco and other Sighthound Rescue
Understanding Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is not something to fear — it is something to understand.
Like many health conditions, with the right knowledge, care, and management, dogs affected by Leishmaniasis can live long, happy, and fulfilling lives. Whether a dog is Leishmaniasis positive or negative, awareness is essential. Even dogs who test negative can become positive over time, particularly if they have lived in or originate from Mediterranean countries.
If you are considering adopting a dog from abroad, it’s important to understand what Leishmaniasis is, how it is managed, and what it may mean for your dog’s future health.
What is Leishmaniasis?
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the parasite Leishmania infantum. It is commonly found in Mediterranean regions and is transmitted through the bite of a specific sandfly (in Spain, Phlebotomus perniciosus).
It is important to understand that Leishmaniasis is not transmitted through normal contact with an infected dog. It cannot be spread by touching, sharing space, or living with a positive dog. Transmission occurs only through the bite of a specific sandfly (vector). If this were not the case, Leishmaniasis would be a global catastrophe.
When an infected sandfly bites a dog, the parasite enters the bloodstream. The dog’s immune system then responds in one of two ways:
Effective response: The body produces specialised immune cells that control or even eliminate the infection
Less effective response: The body produces antibodies that are unable to destroy the parasite. These antibodies can contribute to many of the symptoms associated with the disease
Living with Leishmaniasis
A dog diagnosed with Leishmaniasis is considered a chronic case, but this does not mean a poor quality of life. With proper care:
Dogs can live normal, active lives
The condition can be successfully managed long-term
Relapses can occur, so ongoing monitoring is essential
Understanding the condition, recognising symptoms, and committing to treatment are key responsibilities for adopters.
Treatment
Dogs diagnosed with Leishmaniasis will typically have already received initial treatment in Spain, which includes:
Milteforan (oral medication) or Glucantime (injections) — intensive treatment phase (approx. 4 weeks)
Followed by Allopurinol — longer-term management medication
Allopurinol is generally affordable (approximately £10 per month) and should not be stopped or reduced unless advised by your vet.
Typical treatment duration:
12–18 months initially
May be restarted if relapse occurs
Monitoring and Ongoing Care
All dogs diagnosed with Leishmaniasis are adopted subject to a Leishmaniasis Disclosure and Care Agreement. This agreement explains the dog’s condition, treatment and monitoring needs, and the adopter’s commitment to follow veterinary guidance, maintain appropriate ongoing care, and share relevant veterinary information with Project Galgo.Regular monitoring is essential to ensure your dog remains stable and healthy.
All monitoring tests are compulsory and must be carried out in line with LeishVet guidelines.
Typical Monitoring Schedule:
Every 6 months
Required Tests (as per LeishVet guidelines):
Leishmaniasis serology
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Biochemistry (including Serum Protein Electrophoresis)
Urinalysis (including UPC ratio)
If results remain stable:
Medication may be stopped (vet-guided)
Re-test after 3 – 6 months
Then move to annual testing
Each dog will vary, and your vet will guide you accordingly.
Diet and Supplements
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in managing Leishmaniasis:
Low purine / kidney-friendly diet is essential
Ongoing immune system support supplements (e.g. Impromune) are strongly recommended
Dogs Who Test Negative
Even if your dog has tested negative, ongoing vigilance is important.
All adopters must:
Arrange annual Leishmaniasis testing (compulsory)
Be aware that infection can develop later
Symptoms to Watch For
Early detection is key. Symptoms may include:
Skin lesions (external or internal, including mouth)
Enlarged lymph nodes
Lameness
Weight loss
Lethargy
Nosebleeds
Fever
Kidney issues
Blood abnormalities (low albumin, high globulins)
If you notice any of these signs, consult your vet promptly.
Important Advice on Information Sources
We strongly advise adopters to be mindful of the information they rely on when researching Leishmaniasis.
Unfortunately, there is a significant amount of misinformation available online, and in some cases even conflicting or outdated advice may be given within general veterinary practice.
For this reason, we recommend:
Following LeishVet.Org guidelines
Seeking advice from vets experienced in Mediterranean diseases
Contacting us directly if you are unsure about any aspect of your dog’s care
Adoption Requirements for Leish Positive Dogs
All dogs who are Leishmaniasis positive are rehomed with additional Leishmaniasis-specific contracts, alongside our standard adoption agreement.
These contracts outline the compulsory testing, treatment, monitoring, and care requirements necessary to ensure the dog’s long-term health and wellbeing. By adopting a Leish positive dog, you are agreeing to fully adhere to these requirements.
Our Commitment to You
We will provide:
Full medical history and test results from Spain
Details of all treatment given
Ongoing guidance
Final Thoughts
Adopting a dog from a Mediterranean country comes with responsibility — but also incredible reward.
With understanding, commitment, and the right care, a dog with Leishmaniasis can be just as happy, loving, and full of life as any other dog.
Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis (/ˌɛərlɪkiˈoʊsɪs/; also known as canine rickettsiosis, canine hemorrhagic fever, canine typhus, tracker dog disease, and tropical canine pancytopenia) is a tick-borne disease of dogs usually caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis. Ehrlichia canis is the pathogen of animals.
Dogs get ehrlichiosis from the brown dog tick, which passes an ehrlichia organism into the bloodstream when it bites. It is also possible for dogs to become infected through a blood transfusion from an infected dog.[1] There are three stages of ehrlichiosis, each varying in severity. The acute stage, occurring several weeks after infection and lasting for up to a month, can lead to fever and lowered peripheral blood cell counts due to bone marrow suppression. The second stage, called the subclinical phase, has no outward signs and can last for the remainder of the dog’s life, during which the dog remains infected with the organism. Some dogs are able to successfully eliminate the disease during this time. In some dogs the third and most serious stage of infection, the chronic phase, will commence. Very low blood cell counts (pancytopenia), bleeding, bacterial infection, lameness, neurological and ophthalmic disorders, and kidney disease can result. Chronic ehrlichiosis can be fatal.
Diagnosis is achieved most commonly by serologic testing of the blood for the presence of antibodies against the ehrlichia organism. Many veterinarians routinely test for the disease, especially in enzootic areas. During the acute phase of infection, the test can be falsely negative because the body will not have had time to make antibodies to the infection. As such, the test should be repeated. A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test can be performed during this stage to detect genetic material of the bacteria. The PCR test is more likely to yield a negative result during the subclinical and chronic disease phases.[2] In addition, blood tests may show abnormalities in the numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and most commonly platelets, if the disease is present. Uncommonly, a diagnosis can be made by looking under a microscope at a blood smear for the presence of the ehrlichia morulae, which sometimes can be seen as intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies within a white blood cell.
Symptoms to look out for include:
Fever, lethargy, anorexia/weight loss, vomiting/diarrhea, lameness, cough, abnormal bruising/bleeding
The prognosis is good for dogs with acute ehrlichiosis. For dogs that have reached the chronic stage of the disease, the prognosis is guarded. When bone marrow suppression occurs and there are low levels of blood cells, the animal may not respond to treatment.
Supportive care must be provided to animals that have clinical signs. Subcutaneous or intravenous fluids are given to dehydrated animals, and severely anemic dogs may require a blood transfusion. Treatment for ehrlichiosis involves the use of antibiotics such as tetracycline or doxycycline for a period of at least six to eight weeks; response to the drugs may take one month. Treatment with macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin and azithromycin is being studied. In addition, steroids may be indicated in severe cases in which the level of platelets is so low that the condition is life-threatening.
Filariasis
Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by an infection with roundworms of the Filarioidea type. They belong to the group of diseases called helminthiases. Some species of these worms typically live in the heart of the dog and can cause death. One organism transfers the roundworms to another through vectors; mostly mosquitoes and black flies.
The most common way for a dog to get infected with Filariasis is through a mosquito bite. A mosquito that bit an infected dog carries the roundworm and passes it on to a healthy dog. The mosquito acquires microfilariae from the infected organisms it bites. Inside the mosquito’s body, they will develop into larvae.
When the microfilariae in the mosquito have become larvae, they are introduced to the dog where they continue their life cycle. Most species of Filaria are more common in tropical areas since this is where there are higher populations of mosquitoes.
The vet will confirm the diagnosis through a series of tests that include a microfilaria screening tests and heartworm serology. What follows is a complete physical examination, a urinalysis, chest x-rays, and evaluation of the heart.
The veterinarian will prescribe medication to get rid of the adult worms and to eliminate the baby ones. The best way to prevent filariasis in dogs is through vaccination. So make sure you are up-to-date with your dog’s vaccines.
Symptoms to look out for include:
Weight loss, exercise intolerance, cough, laboured breathing, fatigue.
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease affecting ruminants, dogs, and horses,[1] and is caused by Anaplasma bacteria. Anaplasmosis is an infectious but not contagious disease. Anaplasmosis can be transmitted through mechanical and biological vector processes. Anaplasmosis can also be referred to as “yellow bag” or “yellow fever” because the infected animal can develop a jaundiced look. Other signs of infection include weight loss, diarrhea, paleness of the skin, aggressive behavior, and high fever.[2]
Mechanical and biological vector transmission work in different ways but both lead to infection of the red blood cells. Mechanical transmission happens in two ways, one when red blood cells are inoculated with the blood parasite through surgical equipment including needles, dehorners, ear taggers, castrating knives, and tattoo instruments. Another mechanical transmission mode is through the mouthparts of biting flies who carry an Anaplasma species of blood parasite.[2]
Once infected with a species of Anaplasma, the parasite multiplies in the blood stream and attaches to red blood cells. The immune system will attempt to kill the infected blood cells but will also kill uninfected red blood cells in the process. The number of red blood cells being destroyed becomes larger than new red blood cells being made, causing the host to become anemic and leading to many other symptoms. Once infected with anaplasmosis, the cattle will always be a carrier of the infectious disease, and calves born from carriers will also carry the disease.[2]
Symptoms to look out for include:
Anaplasmosis will not occur until 3–6 weeks after infection.[2] The most common symptoms of anaplasmosis include fever, a decreased number of white blood cells, platelets in the bloodstream, and abnormally elevated levels of liver enzymes. The erythema chronicum migrans rash may be seen with anaplasmosis as it is co-transmitted in 10% of Lyme disease cases.[citation needed]
Anemia may be severe and result in cardiovascular changes such as an increase in heart rate. Blood in the urine may occur due to the lysis of red blood cells. General systemic signs include diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss. Infected animals may develop a jaundiced look which then turns into paleness around the eyes, muzzle, lips, and teats of the cattle.[2]
Lyme Borreliosis
Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a vector-borne disease caused by Borrelia bacteria, which are spread by ticks in the genus Ixodes.[3][8][9] The most common sign of infection is an expanding red rash, known as erythema migrans (EM), which appears at the site of the tick bite about a week afterwards.[1] The rash is typically neither itchy nor painful.[1] Approximately 70–80% of infected people develop a rash.[1] Early diagnosis can be difficult.[10] Other early symptoms may include fever, headaches and tiredness.[1] If untreated, symptoms may include loss of the ability to move one or both sides of the face, joint pains, severe headaches with neck stiffness or heart palpitations.[1] Months to years later, repeated episodes of joint pain and swelling may occur.[1] Occasionally, shooting pains or tingling in the arms and legs may develop.[1] Despite appropriate treatment, about 10 to 20% of those affected develop joint pains, memory problems, and tiredness for at least six months.[1][11]
Symptoms to look out for include:
Lyme disease can affect several body systems and produce a broad range of symptoms. Not everyone with Lyme disease has all of the symptoms and many of the symptoms are not specific to Lyme disease, but can occur with other diseases, as well.[32]
The incubation period from infection to the onset of symptoms is usually one to two weeks, but can be much shorter (days) or much longer (months to years).[33] Lyme symptoms most often occur from May to September in the Northern Hemisphere because the nymphal stage of the tick is responsible for most cases.[33] Asymptomatic infection exists, but occurs in less than 7% of infected individuals in the United States.[34] Asymptomatic infection may be much more common among those infected in Europe.[35]
Brucella canis
Brucella canis is a bacterial infection that can affect dogs and, rarely, people. Some infected dogs have no obvious signs, while others may experience reproductive problems, spinal or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, or general ill health. It is a reportable disease in the UK, so a positive test result must be notified to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Veterinary practices have different policies for dogs imported from abroad. Some require a Brucella canis test before they will register or treat an imported dog, while others take a risk-assessed approach. We strongly advise adopters to speak to their chosen vet before adoption so they understand that practice’s policy on imported rescue dogs and any testing requirements.
Brucella canis is considered uncommon in dogs arriving from Spain, but no test or assessment can offer an absolute guarantee. If a dog receives an unexpected positive result, please ask your vet to investigate fully rather than making an immediate decision. Testing should be interpreted alongside the dog’s clinical signs, travel and exposure history, and further testing. Veterinary organisations recognise that false-positive results can occur and advise that an unexpected positive should be followed by repeat testing after 4–6 weeks, and appropriate confirmatory assessment.
Most sensible practices manage a suspected or confirmed case through an individual risk assessment and appropriate infection-control measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE) where needed. Current government guidance says that where Brucella canis is not known or suspected, no extra measures beyond normal veterinary infection-control procedures are required.
We are always happy to discuss this with you, along with a dog’s history and any available health information with adopters and their veterinary practice.
What to do
Please bear in mind that any dog can later down the line test positive for these diseases. Due to the nature of the diseases, they can lay dormant, with no symptoms for many years. By annual testing of your dog, it enables them to receive treatment should they ever test positive but show no signs of the disease. Leishmaniasis can lay dormant for up to 9 years.
Please do not make the same mistake many have made and glaze over the importance of these tests. Sadly some dogs have lost their lives due to this mistake. It is an essential responsibility of all adopters and a very simple one. Failure to carry out these tests could mean your asymptomatic dog becomes very ill very quickly. It is part of our adoption contract and we take the breach very seriously.
Should your dog ever test positive for Ehrlichia, Filaria, Anaplasma or Lyme/Borellia, they will require treatment, which is very effective and then they will need re-testing by way of PCR 6 months later. If clear at this stage, you can re-test annually, but it must always be by PCR.