Serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins in dogs with leishmaniosis during short-term treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate changes in serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins in dogs with leishmaniosis during short-term therapy in accordance with 2 treatment protocols and determine whether concentrations of acute-phase proteins could be used to monitor the initial response of dogs to treatment.


METHODS
12 dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum.


METHODS
Dogs were allocated into 2 groups. Dogs of group 1 were treated by use of meglumine antimonate (100 mg/kg, SC, q 24 h) administered concurrently with allopurinol (15 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) for 20 days and then with allopurinol alone at the same dosage for the subsequent 30 days. Dogs of group 2 were treated by administration of allopurinol alone (15 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) for 60 days). Blood samples were obtained before and during treatment for measurement of serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins and determination of CBC counts, serum biochemical analyses, and electropherograms.


RESULTS
All dogs evaluated in the study had increased concentrations of C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, and ceruloplasmin at the time of diagnosis of leishmaniosis. Mean concentration of serum amyloid A before treatment was also increased, but some of the dogs had concentrations of serum amyloid A that were within the reference range. Concentrations of C-reactive protein and ceruloplasmin decreased significantly in all dogs at the end of the study period.


CONCLUSIONS
Measurement of concentrations of selected acute-phase proteins, such as C-reactive protein or ceruloplasmin, could be used to evaluate the initial response of dogs with leishmaniosis to treatment.
Martínez-Subiela
Silvia
S
Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
Bernal
Luis J
LJ
Cerón
José J
JJ
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D000493:Allopurinol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule / Q000662:veterinary; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D008536:Meglumine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077485:Meglumine Antimoniate; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D000493:Allopurinol; D008536:Meglumine; D000077485:Meglumine Antimoniate