L. Bravo et al., CANINE LEISHMANIASIS IN THE UNITED-STATES, The Compendium on continuing education for the practicing veterinarian, 15(5), 1993, pp. 699
Autochthonous focuses of visceral leishmaniasis have occurred in dogs
in Ohio and Oklahoma. Most dogs diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis
in the United States acquire the infection during travel to Mediterran
ean countries, where the disease is epizootic. Leishmaniasis is caused
by a diphasic protozoan that infects the macrophage-monocyte phagocyt
ic system and is transmitted by an insect vector, the sand fly. Other
vectors may transmit the disease in the United States. Visceral leishm
aniasis in dogs is a chronic wasting disease that can involve any orga
n but commonly affects the skin, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and eyes. A
lthough pentavalent anti-monial compounds have traditionally been used
to treat leishmaniasis, patients are not usually cured and relapses a
re common within months of therapy. Alternative treatment with amphote
ricin B. ketoconazole, itraconazole, or allopurinol may improve the ef
ficacy and decrease adverse effects of treatment.