Double filtration plasmapheresis in the treatment of hyperproteinemia in dogs affected by Leishmania infantum .

Three dogs were evaluated for severe hyperproteinemia and hyperglobulinemia secondary to Leishmania infantum . Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) was performed in two dogs at days 1, 2, and 6 after presentation. The third dog received DFPP at days 1 and 3 after presentation and eleven hemodialysis treatments. Significant reduction in serum total protein ( p ＜ 0.0001), alpha-1 ( p = 0.023), alpha-2 ( p = 0.018), gamma globulins ( p = 0.0105), and a significant increase in albumin/globulin ratio ( p = 0.0018) were found. DFPP may be a promising therapeutic technique for rapid resolution of signs of hyperproteinemia in dogs affected by L. infantum .