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Imported canine visceral leishmaniasis in Denmark
Nordisk Veterinaermedicin
|January 1, 1985
Summary
The first imported canine visceral leishmaniasis case in Denmark is reported. This dog developed symptoms 21 months after returning from Spain, highlighting the risk of leishmaniasis in traveling dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious parasitic disease typically found in Mediterranean regions.
- Canine VL poses a potential risk for introduction into non-endemic areas through animal travel.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old wire-haired bird dog in Denmark presented with fever, lameness, enlarged lymph nodes, and weight loss.
- Leishmania organisms were identified in a lymph node biopsy, confirmed by electron microscopy.
- The causative agent was identified as Leishmania donovani infantum, endemic to the Mediterranean.
Findings:
- Post-mortem examination revealed Leishmania in multiple organs, including lymph nodes, spleen, liver, lungs, and kidneys.
- Histopathology showed interstitial nephritis with plasma cell infiltration and membranous glomerulonephritis.
- The glomerulonephritis is hypothesized to be immune complex-mediated, similar to human VL.
Implications:
- This case represents the first imported canine visceral leishmaniasis in Denmark and likely Scandinavia.
- It underscores the importance of considering leishmaniasis in dogs with non-specific symptoms after travel to endemic areas, even with a delayed onset.
- Veterinarians should be vigilant for canine leishmaniasis, especially in dogs returning from or residing in Mediterranean regions.