Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic re-emerging disease in both dogs and humans and is probably the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world. The most common clinical signs of canine leptospirosis result from damage to the kidneys, liver and lungs, and coagulation abnormalities. Due to introduction of exotic breeds in India, the incidence of severe anaemia has increased resulting in sudden death. Leptospirosis in dogs is an important cause of anaemia. Present study was conducted to evaluate canine anemia due to leptospirosis and to characterize haematological and biochemical abnormalities in canine leptospirosis. A total of 15 dogs infected with canine leptospirosis presented in Small Animal Clinics of GADVASU, Ludhiana, were diagnosed by dot-ELISA kit in a period of one year. The commonly observed clinical signs in affected dogs were lethargy, inappitance, vomition and polyuria. The common hematological abnormalities included non-regenerative anemia, neutrophillic leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia. All the five dogs were azotemic, as concentrations of BUN and creatinine were elevated, suggesting infective renal failure in canine leptospirosis

Keywords:Anemia; Leptospirosis; Dogs; Renal failure; Dot- EIA