Evaluation of serum cystatin-C in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis.

Serum Cystatin C (sCys-C) is one of the most important serum markers of renal function assessment in dogs. The purpose of this study was to determine the sCys-C concentration in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In the study, 16 dogs with VL and 10 clinical healty dogs (control) were used. Mean sCys-C concentration of the infected dogs was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Mean serum creatinine concentration was lower and mean blood urea nitrogen, albumin and globulin concentrations were higher in dogs with VL; however, these changes were not statistically significant. Mean total protein and phosphorus concentrations were found to be higher in dogs with VL than healthy dogs (p < 0.05). No significant correlation had been determined between sCys-C and other variables. Visceral leishmaniasis in dogs has increased sCys-C concentration indicating a possible renal impairment; however, further studies are needed to be performed together with renal biopsies in the investigation sCys-C in dogs with VL.