Haemato-biochemical alterations of clinical leptospirosis in dogs

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 leptospirosisincluding 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.