How It’s Transmitted
The disease is caused by the parasite Leishmania infantum and is transmitted through the bite of an infected sandfly (phlebotomine), active in Greece roughly from May to October. In mid-September, the risk is still very real.
Symptoms to Watch For
Important: the disease can also affect the kidneys, and chronic kidney failure is the leading cause of death in advanced stages — sometimes it’s the only sign. Increased thirst and urination need immediate attention.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis relies on a clinical exam by a vet combined with a blood test (antibody detection). After infection, antibodies can take months to
become detectable — so a test in autumn can catch an infection from the summer, before symptoms appear.
Prevention
What If My Dog Has Already Been Diagnosed?
A leishmaniasis diagnosis doesn’t mean there’s no solution. It’s a chronic disease that can be managed effectively, and many dogs live a normal, long life with the right monitoring.
Your vet knows the right approach based on the disease stage and your pet’s overall condition. The sooner proper monitoring begins, the better the prognosis usually is — so don’t panic, just book an appointment right away.