FrançaisHow dogs get it
Leishmaniasis is caused by a parasite, Leishmania infantum, transmitted by sand flies. It is endemic in southern Europe, where up to 60% of dogs in some exposed populations are infected, and in France it has spread north to the foothills of the Pyrenees [1, 2]. In Europe, sand flies are active from April to November [2].
Incubation lasts from three months to years. Dogs under 3 and over 8 years old are more often ill, as are Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Rottweilers and German Shepherds [1].
The signs
What the blood work shows
| Test | Frequent result | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Proteins and electrophoresis | High globulins, low albumin, low albumin:globulin ratio | The immune reaction against the parasite [1]. See albumin and globulin. |
| Blood count | Mild to moderate non-regenerative anemia, sometimes low platelets | Chronic inflammation [1]. |
| Urine | Protein in the urine, high UPC | Kidney involvement, a sign of a poorer outlook [1, 2]. |
| Creatinine and BUN | Often normal at first | Kidney failure is uncommon at diagnosis but remains the main cause of death [1]. |
How to read the UPC line
Here is an example line from a dog with leishmaniasis.
- Abbreviation UPC or UP:C.
- Result 1.8 in this illustrative line: the kidneys are letting too much protein through.
- Unit A ratio, without a unit.
- Laboratory interval Below 0.5 is considered normal in the LeishVet staging [1].
- Flag H: above the interval. A UPC above 1 places the dog at least in stage III [1]. See protein in urine.
How the diagnosis is made
- Quantitative serology (IFAT or ELISA): a high titre, 3 to 4 times above the cut-off, confirms the disease in a dog with signs [1].
- Rapid in-clinic tests: useful, but qualitative; a positive result is followed by quantitative serology [1].
- A low titre is not enough on its own: cytology (lymph node, bone marrow) or PCR is needed [1].
- PCR confirms infection, not disease; it is not used alone to screen a healthy dog [1].
A dog that has stayed in an endemic area can be tested 3 months after exposure began; antibodies appear about 3 to 5 months after infection [1, 2].
The LeishVet stages
| Stage | Serology | Kidneys | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| I: mild disease | Negative to low positive | Creatinine < 1.4 mg/dL, UPC < 0.5 | Good |
| II: moderate | Low to high | Creatinine < 1.4 mg/dL, UPC < 1 | Good to guarded |
| III: severe | Medium to high | UPC > 1, or creatinine 1.4 to 2 mg/dL | Guarded to poor |
| IV: very severe | Medium to high | Creatinine > 2 mg/dL, or UPC > 5 | Poor |
Follow-up with lab tests
The LeishVet guidelines advise a blood count, chemistry and urinalysis with UPC after 1 month of treatment, then every 3 to 4 months during the first year. Serology is rechecked no earlier than 6 months after treatment starts; a titre that doubles or more suggests a relapse [1]. A seropositive dog without signs is rechecked every 3 to 6 months [1].
Related articles
En français : la leishmaniose du chien.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
- Is the serology titre low or high?
- Are the globulins, albumin and blood count normal?
- What is the UPC, and which LeishVet stage applies?
- When should the blood work, urine and serology be rechecked?
- How can I protect my dog from sand flies when travelling?
Get your dog’s blood work and urine explained.
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Frequently asked questions
How do dogs get leishmaniasis?
Through the bite of infected sand flies, which in Europe are active from April to November [2].
Can a dog recover from leishmaniasis?
Most dogs improve within the first month of treatment, but regular follow-up is needed to detect a relapse [1].
Can people catch leishmaniasis from their dog?
People can be infected by sand flies, but owning an infected dog does not appear to greatly increase the risk for the family [1].
Is a seropositive dog always ill?
No. Infection does not equal disease: a low titre without signs calls for further tests and monitoring [1].
Why are the kidneys monitored?
Kidney damage can be the only sign of the disease, and it is the main cause of death [1].
Sources
- Solano-Gallego L et al. LeishVet guidelines for the practical management of canine leishmaniosis. Parasit Vectors. 2011;4:86. doi.org/10.1186/1756-3305-4-86
- ESCCAP. Guideline 05: Control of vector-borne diseases in dogs and cats, 5th edition, 2024. esccap.org/guidelines/gl5
Laboratory methods and reference intervals vary. This article explains; it does not diagnose. For a decision about your pet, use the original report and talk to your veterinarian. Our editorial policy.