Overview
Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a parasitic skin infection caused by the larval stage of hookworms, most commonly Ancylostoma caninum in dogs 1. It is characterized by intensely pruritic, erythematous, serpiginous tracks on the skin as the larvae migrate subcutaneously 1.Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically based on compatible clinical signs, including pruritic, erythematous, serpiginous tracks 1.
Exclusion of differential diagnoses is important 1.
Demonstration of infection and increased concentration of anti-Leishmania* IgG (quantitative serology) are recommended for canine leishmaniosis 1. (Note: This abstract focuses on canine leishmaniosis and does not provide specific diagnostic criteria for CLM).Management
Recommended treatments for canine leishmaniosis include meglumine antimoniate-allopurinol (first-line), miltefosine-allopurinol (first-line), and aminosidine-allopurinol (second-line) 1.
Marbofloxacin may be considered in dogs with advanced chronic kidney disease 1.
Preventative measures in endemic areas include deltamethrin 4% collar, flumethrin 4.5%-imidacloprid 10% collar, or permethrin 50%-imidacloprid 10% spot-on 1. (Note: This abstract focuses on canine leishmaniosis and does not provide specific treatment recommendations for CLM).Special Populations
No information on special populations for cutaneous larva migrans is available in the provided abstracts.Key Recommendations
Diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis should be based on compatible clinical signs and/or clinicopathologic abnormalities, exclusion of differentials, demonstration of infection, and increased concentration of anti-Leishmania IgG 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
First-line treatment for canine leishmaniosis includes meglumine antimoniate-allopurinol or miltefosine-allopurinol 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Preventative measures for canine leishmaniosis in endemic areas include specific insecticide collars or spot-on treatments 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 Saridomichelakis MN, Baneth G, Colombo S, Dantas-Torres F, Ferrer L, Fondati A et al.. World Association for Veterinary Dermatology Consensus Statement for Diagnosis, and Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Treatment and Prevention of Canine Leishmaniosis. Veterinary dermatology 2025. link