Diagnosis and therapeutic management of leptospirosis in Shih Tzu – A case report
Author(s): L Narayana Rao, K Sruthi and V Vaikunta Rao
Abstract: This report describes a severe form of acute leptospiral infection in a 7-month-old Shih Tzu presented with progressive weight loss, inappetence, vomiting, pale conjunctiva, respiratory distress, and biochemical evidence of acute hepatorenal dysfunction. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed bilateral but asymmetrical renal alterations and advanced tubular injury in the kidney. Hematology revealed anemia and leukocytosis. Serum biochemistry showed elevated LFT and KFT parameters. RT-PCR confirmed Leptospira infection. Treatment included amoxicillin–clavulanate(12 mg/kg IV BID),followed by doxycycline (5 mg/kg BID), intensive fluid therapy, gastroprotectants (pantoprazole at 1 mg/kg IV, SID followed by sucralfate 1 g orally every BID), antiemetics (maropitant citrate at 1 mg/kg SID), darbepoetin Alfa (0.6 µg/kg subcutaneously once weekly), iron supplementation iron sucrose (1 ml/10 kg weekly IV ), hepatoprotective agents (ursodeoxycholic acid with silymarin suspension 1 tsp orally BID ), Renal protective agents Virbac Pronefra (1 ml/kg BID) and nutritional support. A rare complication—oral ulcers progressing to tongue gangrene—developed during recovery, Despite severe multisystemic involvement, the dog responded favorably to prolonged and aggressive medical management. This case emphasizes the importance of early clinical suspicion, timely confirmatory diagnosis, ultrasonographic assessment of renal injury, and comprehensive supportive care.
