Analysis of morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood of dogs infected with leishmaniasis in the Republic of Cyprus

The purpose of the research is to investigate the clinical, morphological, and biochemical parameters of the peripheral blood of dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of leishmaniasis in the Republic of Cyprus. Materials and methods . We studied the morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood of eight hunting dogs weighing 15–23 kg, kept in private enclosures or outdoors in Paphos (Cyprus), infected with leishmaniasis. Diagnosis of the presence of antibodies to the parasite was established using the SNAP test (IDEXX, USA), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An IDEXX ProCyte Dx hematology analyzer was used for clinical blood analysis, and biochemical blood tests were performed on an IDEXX Catalyst Dx analyzer. Results and discussion. It was found that most dogs infected with leishmaniasis exhibited both general negative changes in blood cells, body systems, and target organs, as well as individual changes. General changes in the peripheral blood of dogs include erythrocytopenia, decreased hemoglobin, increased creatinine, urea, and phosphorus levels, which may indicate the development of acute renal failure, as well as increased alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity.