Meet Norma – Leishmaniasis

Norma is a 7-year-old, female neutered, poodle cross. Norma was a stray coming from Cyprus 6 years ago. She presented to the referring vet for a lameness of few weeks of duration. Tests were suggestive of immune mediated polyarthritis. Prednisolone therapy was initiated. She was seen by our clinician Federica Manna as Norma showed a good response initially, but this did not continue. Given the patient’s previous travel history, infectious diseases were included as possible aetiologies for the polyarthropathy as well as immune-mediated disease. Bloods test raised the suspicion of Leishmaniasis which was then confirmed by biopsy of the bone marrow. Norma was started on treatment, and after an initial poor response, she turned the corner and now she is doing very well.

Leishmaniosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum, which is transmitted by sand flies of the Phlebotomus species. Leishmaniasis is common in countries surrounding the Mediterranean. This disease is not transmitted from one dog to another through interaction nor is it transmitted from dog to human. Even though it is treatable it is not curable, but dogs with leishmaniasis that are treated correctly have a good quality of life like Norma does.

We wish her the best life with her family.