Canine leishmaniasis is a serious parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies in Mediterranean and tropical regions, causing chronic immune-mediated disease that requires lifelong management in affected dogs.
Canine leishmaniasis causes progressive and often severe disease affecting multiple organ systems. Skin manifestations including periocular alopecia, scaling, and ulceration cause discomfort. Immune complex deposition in the kidneys leads to proteinuria and chronic kidney disease that ultimately causes welfare-compromising renal failure. The chronic nature of the disease means affected dogs require lifelong management and monitoring. Prevention through insect repellent collars, topical products, and vaccination in endemic regions is the most welfare-protective approach for dogs in at-risk areas.