Thrombosis and nephritic syndrome in a dog with visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Visceral leishmaniasis with glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome was diagnosed in a six‐year‐old dog presented with thromboembolic manifestations. A blood coagulation test indicated low levels of antithrombin III, prolonged partial thromboplastin time, hypofibrinogenaemia, an increase in fibrin degradation products and decreased plasminogenic activity. These results confirmed the diagnosis of thrombosis induced by glomerulonephritis, accompanied by secondary fibrinolysis. Bone marrow aspiration revealed an abundance of parasites of the genus Leishmania. Histopathology confirmed the presence of membranous glomerulonephritis due to Leishmania species parasites, as well as the presence of thrombosis in the aorta, iliac arteries, vena cava and femoral veni.