Failure of buparvaquone (Butalex) in the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniosis

Abstract

Buparvaquone (Butalex), a therapeutic for theileriosis, has been shown to have anti-leishmanial activity in vitro. Seven dogs with symptomatic, parasitologically positive, canine visceral leishmaniosis were treated with Butalex at 5 mg kg −1 body weight using four doses over 12 days. Two animals showed minor clinical improvement (growth of healthy hair) but all remained parasitologically positive and disease progression was not halted.