Hannah Thursfield, Giorgia Brambilla, Emi Barker

Langford Vets, Bristol, United Kingdom

Objectives

To identify common clinical presentations and clinicopathological findings that should prompt testing for leishmaniosis in dogs.

Methods

Systematic review of medical records of dogs referred to a single, small animal referral hospital between 1st January 2023 to 31st July 2025 with a positive Leishmania infantum serology and/or Leishmania infantum PCR was performed. Details regarding signalment, travel history, clinical signs, referral history, diagnostic test results, treatments given, and outcome were noted. The reason for testing for leishmaniosis was explored through review of clinical notes and discussion with case clinicians, if available.

Results

21 dogs tested positive for leishmaniosis (nine with PCR and serology, twelve with serology alone). Of these, eight had no known travel history at time of presentation. More than half were registered as crossbreeds (52%, n=11) and 95% were over 3 years old. Dogs presented with a range of clinical signs: 48% (n=10) had polyarthropathies or lameness, 33% (n=7) had dermatological signs (alopecia or crusting lesions), and 33% (n=7) had peripheral lymphadenopathy. Urinary and gastrointestinal signs were less common (14%, n=3, for each) and one dog presented with seizures. Anaemia was identified in 48% (n=10), all the dogs had hypoalbuminaemia and/or hyperglobulinaemia (A:G range: 0.18 - 1.21, median: 0.53); and on urinalysis 29% (n=6) were proteinuric (UPC >0.5).

Statement: Impact/ Clinical Significance

More dogs were diagnosed with Leishmania infection than in previous years. Veterinarians should consider testing dogs for leishmaniosis if they present with compatible clinical signs and clinicopathological changes suggestive of leishmaniosis regardless of reported travel history.