LONG-TERM THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT AND PROLONGED SURVIVAL IN A DOG WITH VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS: CASE REPORT

Resumo

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a parasitic zoonosis of high clinical severity and major impact on One Health. The disease is caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania, transmitted by infected sandflies. Clinical manifestations can vary from subclinical infections to severe systemic alterations, including dermatological, hematological, and renal disorders. One of the main determining factors for the reserved prognosis of the disease in most dogs is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which is one of the leading causes of death in patients with Leishmaniasis. CKD in these patients is frequently a consequence of the continuous deposition of circulating immune complexes, characterizing an intense type III hypersensitivity reaction, triggering proliferative glomerulonephritis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and progressive loss of the glomerular filtration rate.The objective of this study was to describe the long -term clinical evolution and therapeutic management of a canine with CVL and progression to end -stage CKD (IRIS Stage 4). The study followed the guidelines of the CARE (Case Reports Guideline) guide and meets ethical principles through the retrospective analysis of clinical records safeguarded by the Informed Consent Form (ICF) signed by the owner. A female, canine, Pinscher, one year and two months old, weighing 2 kg, was treated in the municipality of Garça -SP in 2017, presenting non -pruritic alopecic skin lesions in the periocular region. In the ini tial hematological evaluation, the patient presented microcytic hypochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia, with the infection being confirmed by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and IFAT (Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test) serological tests. However, in 2022, the animal developed severe renal impairment, characterized by elevated creatinine levels, metabolic acidosis, and systemic deterioration, evolving to end-stage chronic kidney disease and death. The scientific highlight of this case lies in the prolonged survival of five years with excellent quality of life under continuous veterinary clinical monitoring, demonstrating a positive impact in cases where prolonged clinical monitoring occurs. It is concluded that, although chronic kidney disease is an expected consequence of canine visceral leishmaniasis, this report demonstrates that early diagnosis combined with the appropriate institution of the therapeutic protocol can contribute to improving the prognosis and increasing patient survival. Furthermore, the relevance of continuous monitoring of renal function in animals affected by the disease is highlighted, aiming to mitigate tissue damage resulting from the immunological overload of the disease