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 detection 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 4 months. Leishmania agents caused the liver injury due to increase in the ALT level in cases 1 and 2, decrease in erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit level and increase in the MDA, and decrease in the GSH‐Px in case 3, but Leishmania agents did not affect the kidney functions due to normal urea and creatinine level in the dogs with VL. A gradual response to the AMB treatment was observed. At the end of treatment course, cases with VL were treated clinically. It was concluded that the AMB administration for 4 months might be effective to treat VL due to no clinical recurrence for 6-month follow-up period.