LEISHMANIOSE VISCERAL CANINA: tratar ou eutanasiar?

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a worldwide zoonotic disease. Its main reservoir is the canids, more specifically the dog. The vector of the Leishmania protozoan are sand flies of the genus Lutzomyia. There is still no 100% effective method to control Leishmaniasis, however, some studies report that there are treatments with positive results for dogs. Other studies prove that the treatment carried out still keeps the dog as a threat to the population, since the animal is still a carrier of the protozoan, therefore, these people are in favor of euthanasia. What would be right to do? The aim of this study was to report a case of a dog positive for leishmaniasis in the rural area of the municipality of Varginha-MG, presenting its necropsy alterations and histopathological findings, discussing with the literature, in addition to discussing Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis exposing the two aspects regarding the control and treatment of the disease. Euthanize to eliminate a reservoir and host, or treat and maintain the animal with an undetectable parasite load?