Skin Biopsy SpecimenVeterinary PathologyClinical SignsVeterinary SciencePathologySmall Animal Internal MedicineVeterinary DiagnosticsVeterinary ResearchSurgeryDermatologyVisceral LeishmaniosisMedicineParasitology
Visceral leishmaniosis was diagnosed in a working sled dog on the basis of history, clinical signs, and identification of amastigotes in a skin biopsy specimen. Allopurinol was administered as sole treatment for the disease. The drug was given for 9 months, and, during this time, clinical signs of disease resolved. Laboratory abnormalities had resolved by 12 months after diagnosis and 3 months after treatment. The dog has been without medications for 19 months and remains free of clinical signs, has sired 2 litters, and functions well as lead sled dog for a team.