Monoclonal gammopathy in a dog with visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract

One dog with visceral leishmaniasis associated with monoclonal gammopathy is described. Most dogs with visceral leishmaniasis present with hyperproteinemia due to a polyclonal gammopathy, but the possibility of monoclonal gammopathy must be considered. Because dogs accompany their owners when they travel, the diagnosis of leishmaniasis should be considered if an animal with monoclonal gammopathy has visited an area where the disease is endemic. The observation of Leishmania in the macrophages of a bone marrow, lymph node smear, or skin biopsy specimen is diagnostic.