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Forty-four dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum were divided into two groups: 20 thrombocytopenic dogs with fewer than 150 x 109 platelets/I, and 24 non-thrombocytopenlc dogs with more than 200 x 109 platelets/I. Ten clinically healthy dogs were used as controls. A haematological profile was obtained and the dogs' serum was used to assess the presence of platelet-binding IgM and lgG antibodies using a flow cytometry technique. Nineteen of the 20 thrombocytopenic dogs, and 13 of the 24 non-thrombocytopenic dogs had detectable levels of platelet-binding immunoglobulins, but none of the control dogs did so. The differences were significantly different for both IgM and lgG platelet-binding antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood levels of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, osteocalcin, intact parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, alkaline phosphatase activity, creatinine and thyroid hormones were estimated in 10 healthy buffalo during late pregnancy (30, 15 days and 7 days before calving), within 12 h after calving and 7–15–30–45 and 60 days after calving. The almost constant serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, and the low calcitonin concentration indicate that these buffalo need to utilize only a little of their endogenous mineral resources. Bone-turnover could be demonstrated by variations in the serum levels of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase activity. A study of these bone markers could be useful for other research purposes and for future clinical application in pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which explored the colostrum and serum lysozyme activity levels in Mediterranean buffaloes and in their newborn calves. The study found that serum activity of lysozyme in buffalo cows did not change significantly compared to the level of lysozyme in colostrum. It included eight healthy buffaloes fed with concentrates and straw maize silage. It examined whether lysozyme levels relate with immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum of the newborn buffalo calves.

Haemostatic alterations in dogs naturally infected by ehrlichiosis and/or leishmaniasis were studied. Platelet count, ADP and collagen-induced platelet aggregation, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and plasma fibrinogen concentration were measured. An evident reduction of platelet aggregation response was shown for Leishmania–Ehrlichia co-infected dogs where platelet aggregation was lower in comparison with control and leishmaniotic dogs (ADP and collagen, P ≤ 0.01) and ehrlichiotic dogs (ADP 10 and 7.5 μm, P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, a significant increase in APTT as well as a reduction of the albumin/globulin rate (A/G) for leishmaniotic and co-infected dogs versus control and ehrlichiotic dogs was detected. The hypothesis of a synergism between leishmaniosis and ehrlichiosis in altering platelet function by different pathways is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which investigates platelet aggregation and secondary haemostasis in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis or both combined during therapy.

Reports on the detection of Leishmania infantum in the peripheral blood of a leishmaniotic dog. Hematological analysis; Immunofluorescent antibody test for Leishmania-specific antibodies.