Determination of abdominal aortic elasticity changes in naturally infected dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis

Objective: The aim of the study was to detect and assess early-stage hypertension in dogs with Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis, by determining the changes in elasticity occurring on the abdominal aorta, in addition to the use of oscillometric measurements. Material and Methods: A total of 44 animals, consisting of 32 animals diagnosed with Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (KVL) and 12 healthy dogs, were evaluated. The diseased animals were categorized into four different groups based on the stages of KVL. The dogs with KVL and the healthy dogs were assessed using Doppler ultrasonography to determine the changes in abdominal aorta elasticity according to their respective stages. Results: KVL-infected animals were identified in different stages, including Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III. It was found that there were no significant changes in the blood pressure values measured through oscillometric method based on the results of abdominal aorta elasticity. However, a significant decrease in abdominal aorta elasticity (p<0.05) was observed in infected animals at Stage III compared to healthy animals and in infected animals at Stage II compared to Stage III, according to the clinical staging of the disease. Conclusion: It was determined that the abdominal aortic elasticity of KVL-infected animals tends to decrease as the disease stage progresses, and these changes can directly affect the systemic circulation.