Survival time and prognostic factors in canine leishmaniosis in a non-endemic country treated with a two-phase protocol including initial allopurinol monotherapy.

Background: Leishmania infantum is an intracellular protozoan parasite which is endemic in countries of the Mediterranean Basin. Leishmaniosis is increasingly diagnosed in non-endemic areas due to the relocation of dogs from endemic areas and the travel of dogs to and from these areas. The prognosis of leishmaniosis in these dogs may differ from that of those in endemic areas.

False positive antigen test for Dirofilaria immitis after heat treatment of the blood sample in a microfilaremic dog infected with Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides.

Background: Dirofilaria immitis is responsible for heartworm disease in dogs in endemic areas worldwide. Screening for this infection is done by blood tests. Antigen testing is the most sensitive method to detect an infection with adult (female) worms.