Clinico-therapeutic studies on leptospirosis in dogs

Abstract

Clinico-therapeutic studies of leptospirosis in dogs presented in the University Veterinary Hospitals, Mannuthy and Kokkalai were conducted. About 20 suspected cases were taken and screened for leptospirosis by DFM, PCR and MAT. Leptospiral organism could not be observed by DFM examination from any of the blood or urine samples tested. But PCR could amplify pathogenic leptospiral DNA in one blood and one urine sample. On MAT, 12 sera were found positive for leptospiral agglutinating antibodies. The predominant seroreactions were to L. autumnalis and L. australis in 75 per cent cases. Clinical manifestations were indicative of a multisystemic involvement. Most of the animals were presented with inappetence, anorexia, vomiting, jaundice, haematuria, haemoglobinuria, melaena and normal body temperature. More cases reported in female dogs. Middle aged dogs were affected more. In the present study the incidence was more during the monsoon season. On haematological analysis, most of the haematological parameters were significant in all the positive cases except mean monocyte and eosinophil count. A marked reduction in erythrocyte count observed in 58.33 per cent animals suggestive of anaemia. There was marked increase in total leucocyte count showed by the most of the diseased animals. Neutrophilia, lymphopenia, a decrease in mean PCV and haemoglobin concentration also noted in seropositive animals. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 50 per cent animals. In positive cases the mean serum creatinine was apparently higher. The increased mean serum creatinine showed the animals were azotemic. The mean ALT, total protein, albumin, globulin and total bilirubin were significantly higher in diseased dogs. On abdominal ultrasonography of dogs with leptospirosis, cortico medullary junction of kidney was not clear in 36.36 per cent cases. No change in echogenicity of kidney noted in 27.27 per cent cases. Ultrasonography of liver revealed no abnormality in echogenicity and architecture in 45.45 per cent cases. On urinalysis, specific gravity was in a range of 1.01 to 1.03. Proteinuria was observed in 75 per cent cases. Presence of blood observed in 25 per cent cases. Glucosuria was there in 25 per cent cases. Bile pigment was detected in 41.67 per cent dogs. Bile salt was absent in all the samples tested. Positive cases were divided into two groups. One group with six animals was treated with Benzyl penicillin and other group containing six animals treated with Amoxicillin - Clavulanic acid. But only 25 per cent animals were survived after treatment and rest of the animals were died before completing the course of therapy.