Babesiosis in a dog is a disease that an animal can catch from a tick. Since it is quite common, every pet owner should know about the symptoms and methods of treating canine babesiosis.

Babesiosis is also called piroplasmosis. Any dog ​​can get babesiosis, but puppies up to 8 months of age, as well as pitbull and greyhound dogs are more susceptible to infection.

In Poland, until recently, this disease was most often diagnosed in the eastern regions of the country, but today it is found practically everywhere, which is related to a significant increase in the number of ticks.

A dog may contract Babesiosis all year round, even in winter(if the temperature is above 5 degrees Celsius for a few days), butthe peak incidence is in early spring and early autumn . This is due to the development of the tick - in order for it to pupate, it must drink blood.

Contents:

  1. Babesiosis in dogs: causes
  2. Dog Babesiosis: Symptoms
  3. Babesiosis: diagnosis
  4. Babesiosis: treatment
  5. Dog Babesiosis: Prevention

Babesiosis in dogs: causes

Babesia is caused by a protozoan of the genus Babesia, transmitted by ticks. While there are over 100 species of Babesia, dogs are attacked by two of them: Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni. This protozoan is also a tick parasite and lives in its salivary glands.

Infection occurs when a tick-carrier bites a dog and stays in its skin for a long time (minimum one day). Then, along with his saliva, the protozoa will enter the animal's blood and infiltrate the red blood cells, where they will begin to multiply. When the immune system recognizes the threat, it will try to destroy the parasite - but it will also remove red blood cells, thanks to which the dog develops anemia, and often severe inflammation of various organs, including kidneys, liver, eye, as well as the respiratory and nervous systems.

Read:How to protect your dog from ticks?

A dog suffering from babesiosis can infect other dogs - the infection occurs through biting or blood transfusion. Babesiosis can also be passed on by a pregnant female dog to her puppies.

Dog Babesiosis: Symptoms

Symptoms of babesiosis do not appear until some time after the protozoa enters the body. Usually the incubation period of the disease is 10 to even 21 days.The first symptom is apathy, lethargy, urine color change from yellow to red, reluctance to eat.

The remaining symptoms depend on whether the disease is uneventful or uneventful.Uncomplicated babesiosishas an acute course: in addition to the symptoms listed abovethe dog has a fever, enlarged spleen, sometimes jaundice, pale mucous membranes- this is due to anemia.

In turncomplicated babesiosis manifests itself, inter alia, in neurological disorders, breathing disorders and shortness of breath, low blood pressure, pancreatitis, limb edema, kidney failure, sometimes vomiting . The animal may also die.

A dog bitten by a tick-carrier does not always get sick - it sometimes becomes a carrier of a parasite that does not make itself known for many months. However, the disease may develop when the animal experiences severe stress.

Babesiosis: diagnosis

The most effective method of diagnosing babesiosis isdemonstrating the presence of parasites in a blood smear.Sometimes, however, despite the obvious symptoms of the disease, no parasites are visible in the collected sample. In this case, you usually need to take an additional blood sample from the marginal vein of the ear, and sometimes a morphological examination of the dog as well, because in the course of this disease the level of platelets is almost always reduced.

In doubtful cases, additional tests are also necessaryto help assess the coagulation process and the work of internal organs - the idea is to rule out other causes of anemia.

Babesiosis: treatment

There is no single drug that can kill a protozoan quickly.Babesiosis is treated with antiprotozoal drugs, antibiotics and steroids(the dog may have a cannula on). In some cases, your pet may need to undergo a blood transfusion to stabilize the level of red blood cells.

Treatment lasts at least a few days- the exact time depends, among others, on from the stage of the disease, as well as from possible complications. The best prognosis is when the infection is diagnosed before the development of severe anemia.

Read:Tick in a dog - removal, symptoms of tick-borne diseases

Dog Babesiosis: Prevention

The dog can be vaccinated against babesiosis , but the vaccine is notwill prevent the disease, but only alleviate its symptoms if it becomes infected.

The basis of prophylaxis is to prevent tick bites. It is best to secure your dog in several possible ways. Protective collars are the most popular.

It is an effective preventive tool in the fight against ticks and fleas. It contains a carefully selected composition of essential oils that act additive and complementary.

Thanks to this, they effectively discourage parasites from being in the company of animals.

You can also use drops or flavored tablets that are given to your dog to chew.

When choosing a preparation, it is best to consult a veterinarian, because he will take into account not only the current threat of ticks in a given area, but also the functions of a given anti-tick agent, including whether this agent only repels ticks or also kills them .

Read: How to protect your dog from ticks?

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Pets