A study has found that Ibizan Hounds may have special defenses against leishmaniasis.
Those involved in the study, published in Parasites & Vectors, sought to learn why leishmaniasis is less harmful to Ibizan Hounds compared to other breeds.
What Is Leishmaniasis?
Coming from black sandflies, leishmaniasis is a parasite that has severe effects on your dog’s health. Among the symptoms are vomiting, skin rashes, and even arthritis. In severe cases, an infection can cause black fever. Although symptoms can begin in only three weeks, years can go by without signs. And particularly immune dogs may have no symptoms at all.
Certain Breeds Are More at Risk Than Others
Knowing what affects infection severity is very vital to treat leishmaniasis. As hunting dogs, Ibizan Hounds are at a high risk of infection. However, their genes seem to bolster their immune systems, giving them an advantage.
Interestingly, while Ibizan Hounds are more resistant, other breeds have worse luck. Other studies have found that Foxhounds and Neapolitan Mastiffs suffer more from leishmaniasis. However, the reasons for this are still unknown.
Studying the Ibiza Hounds
In the study, researchers gathered genetic data from a small sample of Ibizan Hounds, tracking their size, age, and vaccination status. Altogether, what researchers found agrees with other studies. Ibizan Hounds show a better immune response to infection and get less sick. However, they still can’t explain how or why this occurs. What is clear is that there is some link between the breed’s distinct genes and their ability to stave off serious illness.
The researchers state, “Our analysis and results indicate that the regulation of immune responses is different in Ibizan Hounds compared to other breeds. Future studies are needed to elucidate whether these differences are related to the low prevalence of L. infantum infection in the Ibizan Hound.”
Perhaps, with more research, effective treatments for leishmaniasis can be found.
