Leishmania; simplifying a challenging diagnosis

Leishmania is becoming an increasingly recognised diagnosis in dogs in the UK as a result of pets being imported from mainland Europe. Many vets in the UK have no previous experience of this disease. Often canine leishmaniasis can present as a diagnostic challenge and treatment options are equally complex. This lecture will describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic approach to leishmania in dogs. In addition, treatment options and monitoring will be discussed.

• - to recognise the most common clinical signs associated with canine leishmaniasis
• - to understand the diagnostic steps necessary to confirm a diagnosis of Leishmania
• - to understand the treatment options and side effects of the drugs used in the management of Leishmania