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Home▶ Journals▶ Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology▶Archive▶Vol. 21 No. 6 (2025)▶Canine Leptospirosis: Clinical and Ultrasonographic…
Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology
Research Article

Canine Leptospirosis: Clinical and Ultrasonographic Assessment in South Gujarat

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Saurabh M Parmar — Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Navsari-396450, Gujarat, India
Manish D Patel — Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Navsari-396450, Gujarat, India
Jignesh A Vala — Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Navsari-396450, Gujarat, India
Sudhir A Mehta — Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Navsari-396450, Gujarat, India
Hitesh C Parmar — Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Navsari-396450, Gujarat, India
Ramesh Chand Koli — Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Navsari-396450, Gujarat, India
Published 7 Nov 2025 Vol. 21 No. 6 (2025), pp. 137-142 ● Open access
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Abstract

Leptospirosis is a severe spirochetes infection in dogs that can cause significant damage to vital organs, particularly the liver and kidneys and may lead to life-threatening complications. This study was aimed to assess occurrence of leptospirosis in dogs along with associated haemato-biochemical and ultrasonographic changes. Over a period of two years, 195 cases (3.50%) were suspected out of total 5566 dogs registered for medical treatment. Among confirmed 30 cases (15.38%), majority of affected dogs (60%) were between 1-6 years old and males (70%). On ultrasonographic evaluation of confirmed cases of canine leptospirosis, more than 80% cases exhibited kidney to aorta ratio greater than 9. Pyelectasia (80%), medullary rim sign in the kidney (70%) and hypoechoic liver parenchyma (60%) were also observed during ultrasonography. Haematological analysis revealed elevated mean total leukocyte counts (26790 cells/µL) along with neutrophilia (80.4±10.04%) and mild anaemia (11.33±3.19 g/dL). Serum biochemical analysis showed elevated mean serum AST (71.28±47.37 IU/L) and ALT (86.28 ±53.26 IU/L) along with hypoalbuminaemia (<2.5 g/dL) suggesting impaired liver function. Elevated serum creatinine and BUN levels were found in 23.33% and 43.33% dogs, respectively, indicating renal involvement. Findings indicated the multisystem impact of canine leptospirosis which underscores the importance of its early detection based on USG and haemato biochemical findings.
KeywordsCanineLeptospirosisMedullary rim signPyelectasiaUltrasonography

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