Evaluation of the presence of ABSTRACTThis study was performed to evaluate the effects of autoclaving and storage in 85% glycerol on cortical bone from dogs infected with Leishmania sp. We used 42 cadavers with leishmaniasis. The dogs were evaluated for the presence of Leishmania sp. in culture of bone marrow and by culturing cortical bone. From the infected animals, we harvested 42 diaphysis of the right femur for culture of cortical bone before and after autoclaving or storage in glycerol. There was no significant difference in growth of the parasite in culture of bone marrow or cortical bone. There was no growth of Leishmania sp. in culture of samples after autoclaving or storage in glycerol. Both treatments were effective in preventing the growth of the parasite in vitro, so it was considered viable for grafting.Keywords: bone graft, canine visceral leishmaniasis, glycerol, sterilization Palavras-chave: enxerto ósseo, leishmaniose visceral canina, glicerol, esterilização RESUMO Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos da esterilização em autoclave e do armazenamento em glicerol a 85% no osso cortical de cães infectados por