Guidelines for diagnosis and clinical classification of leishmaniasis in dogs

Abstract

In the past decade, several issues have emerged regarding
\nthe epidemiology of leishmaniasis in dogs, including
\nthe increased incidence of infection in endemic
\nzones, the northward spread of the infection to nonendemic
\nareas of Europe, and the emergence of the disease
\nin North America.1,2 Despite the increasing spread
\nof the infection and growing concern for canine health,
\nveterinary approaches to the disease remain heterogeneous.
\nAccordingly, an expert panel, the CLWG, was
\nestablished in November 2005 in collaboration with the
\nItalian Society of Veterinarians of Companion Animals.
\nThe aim of the CLWG was to develop a scientificbased
\nconsensus approach for the management of leishmaniasis
\nin dogs with regard to diagnosis and clinical
\nclassification of disease, treatment, and prevention.
\nThe guidelines reported here are an updated version
\nof those originally published in Italian in Veterinaria,
\nthe official journal of the Italian Society of Veterinarians
\nof Companion Animals, and are based on a thorough
\nreview of international literature and, where data are
\ninadequate or incomplete, are supplemented with the
\nexperience of CLWG members. These guidelines are intended
\nto assist veterinary practitioners in the diagnosis
\nand clinical assessment of this complex disease.