About Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is recognized as one of the top 10 neglected tropical diseases in the world, with approximately 12 million people infected.  It is endemic in 99 countries and 20-50,000 deaths are reported yearly.  Dogs, coyotes, foxes, rodents, and occasionally horses and cats can all develop Leishmaniasis.  It has now been found in 21 states including Canada.  It is transmitted by the sand fly and two common types of the condition exist: cutaneous (skin-based) and visceral (organ-based).  

Leishmaniasis is a difficult disease to diagnose and treat because it is not well-known in the US and because the only approved drug available (Miltefosine/Impavido) is categorized as an orphan drug, meaning there are simply not enough demonstrated cases nor not enough money to be made from it's production to justify an adequate supply chain.  The other drug known to be effective (Glucantime) is not readily available in the country---and requires a 15 step ASTMH process with approval from the FDA to obtain.  In addition, veterinarians also prescribe Allopurinol (used for gout) to keep the parasite load low between flare ups but Leishmaniasis is a disease for which there is no cure.

Adequate knowledge, expediency of diagnosis, and reasonable access to treatment are also part of the barriers associates with the disease.  There is a lot of misinformation and stigma attached to Leishmaniasis because it is considered rare in the US, however; with proper guidance, medical care, and an augmented diet, so many dogs go on to live virtually normal long and healthy lives.