Clinical features of canine visceral leishmaniasis at Fortaleza city, Ceará, Brazil

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis is an infectious zoonosis with high importance in Brazil. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical findings of 21 dogs naturally infected by visceral leishmaniasis, in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. The diagnosis was based on serology. Most of the dogs showed skin abnormalities, weight loss, decreased appetite, lymphadenomegaly and apathy. It were also observed ocular signs, splenomegaly, arthritis, onychogryphosis, emesis, myositis, dehydration, epistaxis, and involvement of the urinary system.