Search Results

Leishmaniasis Fact Sheet What is Leishmania? Leishmania is a parasite which causes a disease called Leishmaniasis, Leishmaniasis is a severe disease that can affect dogs and other mammals including humans. The parasite is transmitted to dogs via an insect (sandfly) It is present in many countries in Southern and Eastern Europe, and dogs that travel or have lived in these areas are at risk of becoming infected. What are the symptoms of the disease? Some dogs have no symptoms for months or years after becoming infected. When they become ill with the disease, they often develop skin lesions and become unwell (they may be depressed, lose weight, drink excessively, etc). Some dogs develop kidney failure. It is possible for infected dogs to become unwell without having any skin lesions. Can cats develop Leishmaniasis? Yes, but it is very rare. How will my vet diagnose Leishmaniasis? It depends on the presenting signs but it is likely to be through a combination of blood tests and sampling (e.g. samples from the skin, lymph nodes or internal organs). What is the treatment? Treatment can vary depending on the clinical presentation. For example, some dogs are infected but asymptomatic and do not always require treatment. However, most dogs will require medication and this is likely to be a combination of two drugs (allopurinol and miltefosine or allopurinol and meglumine antimoniate). Allopurinol in most cases will be continued for a few months until the signs have resolved and blood tests have all returned to normal. Unfortunately, treatment is not curative and the dog will remain persistently infected so relapses are common after stopping medication. So if they are not cured, should they stay on treatment for life? No, you need to follow your vet’s advice on this but we do not treat for life as this could induce treatment resistance. They are carefully monitored during and after treatment and the medication re-started when there are early signs of relapse. This may not happen for months or years. Will my dog die of the disease? Leishmaniasis is a very serious disease and best avoided at all cost. However, it can be effectively controlled if it is well monitored. Many dogs with the disease live normal, happy lives. How can I prevent my dog from becoming infected? Do not take your dog to areas where Leishmania is present! This is the best advice to protect your dog against infection. However, if this is not possible there are good products to repel sandflies and prevent transmission of the parasite (spot on treatments and collars). Speak to your vet for advice on what would be the best product for your pet. They must be applied correctly and you must follow the instructions on the frequency of application. Avoiding exposure to sandflies (the insects that transmit Leishmania) is the most effective way to prevent infection. Sandflies are more active at dusk – so avoid taking your dog out at this time and keep your dog indoors at night. Can I vaccinate my dog against Leishmania? Yes, there are vaccines against this parasite. They reduce the likelihood of your dog developing symptoms if he becomes infected but do not prevent infection itself. The only way to prevent infection is to avoid contact with the sandfly. We recommend vaccination in dogs that travel to affected areas for long periods of time but they must always be used in combination with a sandfly repellent. I have heard that people can develop Leishmaniasis and it is a very serious disease in people too. Could I become infected from my dog? No, you cannot get the disease directly from your dog as a sandfly is required for transmission of the disease. In addition, once dogs are receiving adequate treatment, they are unlikely to spread the disease even in the presence of the sandfly so the risk is very low.

New ALMA Hondon website coming soon In the meantime please check out our Instagram and Facebook pages:

Rehoming Advice

About Us "It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal." ALMA Hondon animal rescue charity is a non-profit organization located in Hondon, a small town in the province of Alicante, Spain. Founded in 2016, the organization is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned, abused, and neglected animals in the area. ALMA Hondon is run entirely by volunteers who work tirelessly to provide care and support to animals in need. Our Story Our aim is simple: Rescue, Medically Support & rehome neglected and abandoned animals. As a non-profit organisation, we always put the animals’ interests first. We provide shelter, food, medical care, and love to animals until we can find them forever homes. ALMA Hondon animal rescue charity operates a no-kill policy, which means that no animal is ever euthanized unless it is suffering and there is no hope for recovery. We work with local vets to ensure that animals receive the best possible medical treatment,and we also provide spaying and neutering services to help the reduce unwanted litters and control the local animal population. Our work is funded by our charity shop, donations from supporters and through fundraising events. ALMA holds regular events throughout the year to raise funds and awareness, including charity dog shows, charity balls and many other events. If you are interested in supporting ALMA Hondon, you can make a donation through our website or by attending one of our fundraising events. You can also volunteer your time at the ALMA Charity shop or assist with fundraising and awareness-raising activities. Meet The Team Rescue and Rehome Team Shop Volunteers

< Back to all EN Flaca's story is a testament to her resilience and the dedication of the volunteers and veterinary team who helped her recover from a traumatic injury. It's heartwarming to know that she was able to keep her foot and is now in relatively good health. Her need for constant care during her recuperation shows the importance of patience and commitment when caring for a dog with a challenging past. Her description as a free spirit with a shy temperament highlights her unique personality. Dogs like Flaca often make incredibly loyal and loving companions once they trust their human caregivers. The fact that she loves being outdoors and has a penchant for enjoying the simple pleasures of nature, like smelling flowers and watching birds, makes her a wonderful match for someone who enjoys an active, nature-filled lifestyle. Adopting a dog like Flaca may require some extra time and effort to build trust and create a strong bond, but the rewards of offering her a loving forever home are undoubtedly worth it. Flaca's story is a reminder of the many dogs in need of caring homes, and she serves as an inspiring example of how a dog can overcome adversity with the right support and care. ES Conoce a Flaca - Flaca fue encontrada atrapada en una trampa de caza en las montañas alrededor de Nieves. Cuando uno de nuestros voluntarios la encontró mientras paseaba a los perros, estaba sufriendo intensamente y la trampa le causó graves daños en la pata y la pierna. Inicialmente, cuando el equipo veterinario la vio, pensaron que iban a tener que amputar parte de su pierna. Afortunadamente, lograron salvar el pie de Flaca y se recuperó. Aunque se pudo salvar la pata, necesitó cuidados constantes durante su recuperación y llevará las cicatrices de la lesión el resto de su vida. No se encontraron las enfermedades a largo plazo habituales que solemos hallar en los perros abandonados, por lo que, en términos de salud, sería una adopción sin complicaciones. Flaca es un espíritu libre con un temperamento tímido. Su futuro adoptante necesitará tomarse el tiempo para construir la confianza, pero las recompensas serán increíbles, ya que le encanta estar al aire libre y se beneficiaría de un hogar con terreno, donde pueda oler las flores y observar a las aves, sus dos pasatiempos favoritos. Flaca Flaca Sex: Born: Chipped: F/H 01/10/18 Yes/Si Breed: Podenco Size: Large Grande Vaccinated: Yes/Si Castrated: Yes/Si Tested with cats: No Character: Very people shy Muy tímido Ask us Adoption Form Hello, I am < Previous dog Next dog >