About Canine Leishmaniosis
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a devastating disease caused by the obligate intracellular parasites, Leishmania infantum and L. braziliensis, and transmitted by sand flies. These parasites are endemic in over 90 countries, with the highest risk areas in the Mediterranean Basin, Middle East, and South America. Dogs who are exposed will remain infected and infective for life but may never show signs of disease. If disease develops, it can affect most systems in the body and be fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment are associated with better clinical outcomes. Our study aims to estimate the prevalence of Leishmania spp. infection in dogs imported from endemic countries into Canada and to assess potential lifestyle and medical risk factors associated with infection.
Participation Requirements
Dogs must be recently imported into Canada (within the last three years) from a region known or suspected to be endemic for Leishmania spp.
Dogs who have previously been treated for canine leishmaniosis or have traveled with their owners to an endemic area are ineligible
Owner's Responsibilities
Bringing their dog to a veterinary clinic for blood collection
Completing a short questionnaire on life and medical history of dog
Contact Information
If you think your dog is eligible, please emailsdewinte@uoguelph.cafor additional information.
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