Spanish Galgo rescued from Spain, diagnosed with Leishmania
Written by Dr. Cheryl Maguire, Veterinary Diagnostician
With over 800,000 tests run annually, TVMDL encounters many challenging cases. Our case study series will highlight these interesting cases to increase awareness among veterinary and diagnostic communities.
Leishmania donovani/infantum Titer IFA testing was requested to assist in the clinical staging of a 6-year-old, neutered male, Spanish Galgo. The dog was rescued in Spain and imported to the United States by a rescue group in 2016.
Prior to importation, screening for Leishmania was negative. Several months after being adopted, the dog presented with a peripheral lymphadenopathy, ear margin dermatitis, and lethargy. The endpoint titer in this case was determined to be 1: 8,192 which is considered to be very high. Galgos, also known as Spanish Greyhounds, are frequently imported by Greyhound adoption/rescue groups into the United States. Although Galgos have a different lineage from Greyhounds, they may look very similar. Clinical signs of canine leishmaniosis may develop 3 months to 7 years after infection therefore veterinarians should get a complete history regarding the origin of any adopted Greyhound. Leishmania is found naturally on most continents of the world so a history of travel outside the US should trigger adding this disease to a list of rule outs. In the US, leishmaniaisis has been documented repeatedly in foxhounds in hunting packs.
To learn more about this case, contact Dr. Cheryl Maguire, veterinary diagnostician, at the TVMDL College Station. For more information on tests and services offered by TVMDL, call 979.845.3414 or visit tvmdl.tamu.edu.