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Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Volume: 57 Issue: 1

  • Open Access
  • Research Article

Haemato-biochemical alterations of clinical leptospirosis in dogs#

Sanjeevi Wilson1, V.H. Shyma1, P.V. Tresamol1, R. Ambily2, K. Justin Davis1 and Ancy Thankachan1

1Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine,2Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur- 680 651, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India

Year: 2026, Page: 140-145, Doi: https://doi.org/10.51966/jvas.2026.57.1.140-145

Received: Oct. 6, 2025 Accepted: Nov. 14, 2025 Published: March 31, 2026

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease of global importance caused by pathogenic species of Leptospira, affecting a wide range of animals including dogs. In dogs, leptospirosis remains a significant infectious disease characterised by multisystemic involvement posing both veterinary and public health challenges. Blood and serum samples were collected from a total of 65 dogs showing clinical signs suggestive of leptospirosis—including myalgia, haematuria, icterus, and pyrexia. Out of 65 dogs, 21 dogs confirmed as positive for leptospirosis on real-time PCR. Among the positive animals, haematological findings showed leucocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, along with decreased haemoglobin levels, haematocrit and total RBC count. Serum biochemical evaluation indicated increased levels of alkaline phosphatase, serum albumin, and both direct and indirect bilirubin, as well as elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. These findings highlight that in association with clinical presentation and epidemiological information, haemato-biochemical alterations can serve as tool for tentative diagnosis as well as prognosis indicator.

Keywords: Leptospirosis, haemato-biochemical, bilirubin, creatinine, real time PCR

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