Oh no no no... We are going on holiday to Tuscany in a couple of weeks and taking Poppy with us - now the vet has just warned me about this horrible disease, transmitted by sand flies... Really, really worried after reading about it, does anyone have information or first-hand knowledge???
Re: Canine Leishmaniasis Hi Karen Oh, not nice. First thing that springs to mind is that it's a zoonose (ie crosses species, including humans) it was one of the parasites we studied at uni, not the canine one specifically just leish in general and the vectors, so I wouldn't recommend getting it if it can be at all avoided. Human treatment is horrific. Not first hand knowledge but we have friends with a holiday villa in Tuscany, they've just got their first dog so have done a little research. Lindsay says there is a vaccine which is reputed to work well for the strain in Tuscany but the dog has to be blood tested first - it can react with something else but she can't remember what and she doesn't know how quickly it takes effect. They've been advised that the dog must wear an insecticide releasing collar, a bit like a flea collar but stronger, there are various ones which work on the sand flies but some dogs react to the collar so you've got find one that suits. All from their neighbours so maybe take with a pinch of salt? Probably not helped the worried status but the more info the better. Kerryn
Re: Canine Leishmaniasis Thanks Kerryn, I've been doing some online research. Yes to the collar, and yes there is a vaccine but this is too short notice now I think, as it is a series of injections at three week intervals. I'll find out more from the vet tomorrow. The good news is, the season for sand flies doesn't really start until the end of May, so it should be ok and I am feeling a little calmer. Visit to the vets first thing tomorrow and then hopefully I'll know more!
Re: Canine Leishmaniasis OK, back from the vets and it's not all bad news. Firstly, the season for sand flies really doesnt start until late May. Also, the flies tend to be out and around at dawn and dusk, and the advice is to keep your pet indoors at these times. During the day it should be fine. There is a vaccine, but we were much to late for that. Also, I have decided against the collar. The vet says that Exspot works just as well, and since Poppy is going to be staying with Stella again next week (her labrador friend) while we are in the UK for a few days, and they have small children, it seems safer not to have a chemical collar on her for that time. Phew. Hopefully we are in the clear. But it is important for people to know about these parasites before taking their dogs abroad - I had no idea!!! You live and learn. Good visit to the vets though - Poppy learning that the vet is NICE and KIND and gives her treats. We also met a lovely lady with a beautiful German Long Haired Pointer - gorgeous dog, friendly and well behaved, trained for hunting and used to track injured wild boar!!! We had a good talk about working dogs and gun dog training in general, and felt very superior to the other people there with their whining fidgety dogs... OK Karen, get off the forum and get to work. 8)
Re: Canine Leishmaniasis Thats better news Karen , sounds like you will just miss the season for the pesky little blighters . Its lovely when then enjoy a Vet trip isnt it ? Sam adores going too, mainly because nurse Naomi always has a stash of biscuits
Re: Canine Leishmaniasis Glad you're all sorted. Digby is back at the vets tomorrow (3rd time) for his persistent eye infections - he will certainly be one of the fidgety (although not whiney) dogs!! He gets very very excited when we go there - think he sees it as a doggy social club.
