CANINE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS WITH DERMATOLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS: A CASE REPORT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63330/aurumpub.072-005Keywords:
Dermatopathy, Dog, Infectious disease, Leishmania infantum, ZoonosisAbstract
Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonosis of major clinical and epidemiological relevance, with dogs serving as the principal urban reservoir of the infection. This study aimed to report a case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in a two-year-old male Yorkshire Terrier that was presented with a history of chronic ulcerative lesions on the pinnae, periocular and perioral alopecia, diffuse hypotrichosis, and marked skin scaling. A complete blood count, biochemical profile, electrolyte profile, abdominal ultrasonography, and serological testing for leishmaniasis were performed. Laboratory tests revealed nonregenerative normocytic normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, and mild hypoalbuminemia. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed mild splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. The diagnosis was confirmed by reactive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) results for Leishmania infantum. Based on the clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings, the patient was classified as stage III and treated with miltefosine, allopurinol, and domperidone, combined with supportive dermatological and ophthalmic therapies. After treatment was initiated, progressive clinical improvement was observed, characterized by reduced skin scaling, hair regrowth in the affected areas, and regression of the ulcerative lesions. It is concluded that dermatological abnormalities may be important clinical indicators of canine visceral leishmaniasis and that combining clinical assessment, complementary examinations, and serological testing is essential for diagnosis, staging, and the institution of appropriate therapy, thereby contributing to clinical improvement and quality of life in affected patients.
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