Echographycal and hematological alterations in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract

Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a multisystemic disease with clinical signs such as splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy and glomerulonephritis. The presentation of anemia associated with hyperproteinemia is frequent. Ultrasound can reveal morphological and structural abnormalities of the abdominal organs. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the visible lesions of the abdominal organs by means of ultrasound, and to establish relationships with laboratory analysis. The parasite was detected by indirect parasitological and serological diagnoses. The affected abdominal organs were evaluated by ultrasound (shape, size, structure and echogenicity). The cortex/medulla ratio was explored in the kidneys. At the laboratory, hemogram and blood biochemistry of each patient were investigated. The clinical staging of the dogs was 50% for moderate stage, 40% for severe, and 10% for very severe. The main alterations were hepatomegaly (8 patients), splenomegaly (1 case) and increased echogenicity of the renal cortex with decreased corticomedular definition and lymphadenomegaly (5 animals). Around 90% of the animals revealed anemia accompanied by hyperproteinemia. It is concluded that the use of ultrasound in conjunction with blood tests can help to establish the severity of abdominal organ injuries in dogs with leishmaniasis.