Efficacy of Amphotericin-B, Clinicopathologic Variables and Oxidative Stress Markers in three Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dogs with Visceral Leishmaniasis

This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of Leishmania infection and AMB (amphotericin-B) treatment on hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in three Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). These dogs were presented with weight loss, weakness, and cutaneous lesions. Canine kala-azar detect kit was positive in dogs with VL. AMB was administered to cases with VL at a dose of 0.6 to 1.5 mg/kg/week for four months. Leishmania agents caused the liver injury in cases 1 and 2 due to increase in ALT level, decrease in erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit level and increase in MDA, and decrease in GSH-Px in case 3 and did not affect the kidney functions due to normal urea and creatinine level in the dogs with VL. A gradual response to the administration of AMB was observed. At the end of treatment course, cases with VL were cured clinically. It was concluded that 4-month of AMB administration may be effective to treat VL due to no clinical recurrence for six months follow-up.