Dilwyn

We had the results of the leishamanisias test this morning. It was NEGATIVE. The situation regarding leishamanisias in france is certainly worth keeping an eye on as with global warming it is inevitably going to move north. Researchers have found this has already happened in Italy. We are sorry to hear of your loss, Jane. We will now probably play safe and in future use the Scalibor collars you mentioned. Anyway, thanks for the responses. We have now arranged for biopses to be taken. Steve & Chris

[quote user="Logan"]Well from the further information you post I think perhaps you are right to worry about Leishmanosis. Has the dog been exposed to the open air during summer nights when temperatures are high?[/quote] Unfortunately, the answer is yes for the early evening.

Since posting, we took a telephone call from our vet and as a result have now had samples taken this afternoon for Leishmanosis testing. We will get the results next week which I shall post. As regards mites we have been using the special shampoo for more than 3 months without success which is one of the many reasons to investigate other causes. Initial symptoms did include nasty ulcerated sores on the inner ear flaps and around the eyes which steroids have kept at bay since. Treatment for yeast and fungal infections have not had any success either. It's a real worry.

One of our two Golden Retreivers has suffered from a severe skin infection since our return from France in September. Early diagnosis dismissed Leishmaniasis (an infection spread by sand flies) as our dogs had not been to a risc area i.e. Mediterranean. Since then our vets have tried every possible treatment including steroids, antibiotics, antihistimines, special diets etc. Blood tests and allergy test have taken place. Treaments have halted but not cued the condition. After referral to a skin specialist, Leishmaniasis has again been put forward as a possibility. However, our dogs have never been south of the northen Dordogne. Does anyone know of any cases of Leishmaniasis in france outside of the tradition Mediterranean risk area? Research in Italy has found the condition in dogs living in a continental climate and who have never visited a Mediterranean climate area. Does this situation now also exist in france? Sorry to be long winded but our dogs mean everything to us! Thank you, Steve & Chris