Canine leishmaniasis is a serious parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies in Mediterranean and tropical regions. Long-term management is required as the disease cannot be cured in most cases.
Leishmaniasis causes chronic, progressive suffering including skin ulceration, debilitating weight loss, and ultimately kidney failure. The disease cannot be eradicated from the body — treatment suppresses it to levels where the immune system can control it, but relapse is common when treatment stops or the immune system is compromised. Long-term managed dogs may live comfortably for years, but require committed veterinary monitoring and owner compliance with medication.