The parasite attacks the dog's cells, damaging the immune system of the body and causes serious disorders; including skin disease, anaemia, arthritis, eye and kidney diseases.
The infected animal will show symptoms, which include fever, hair loss around ears and muzzle, weight loss, skin sores and poor nails.
It is a horrible and complex disease and until researchers come up with a vaccine the collar seems to be our best defence.
Use Scalibor to protect your dog from infection by the sand fly or another infected dog.
It is advisable to use the collar from March to November.
Keep your dog inside at night.
A blood test is not conclusive, since many dogs remain asymptomatic throughout their lives in spite of a positive titre.
Leishmaniasis is sometimes fatal however in most cases it can be treated.
