Canine babesiosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the Babesia genus. These parasites, known as Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni, invade the red blood cells of dogs, causing a series of health problems that can be potentially life-threatening if not treated in time.
How can I prevent canine babesiosis?
Prevention is essential to protect dogs from babesiosis. Some preventive measures include:
- Regular inspections: Checking dogs after walks in areas with dense vegetation or where ticks are common.
- Use of antiparasitic products: Regularly applying repellent and acaricidal products to keep ticks away.
- Clean environment: Keep the dog’s surroundings free of ticks through regular cleaning and the use of disinfectant products.
How is canine babesiosis transmitted?
The main transmission route of Canine Babesiosis is through the bite of infected ticks, especially those of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus species. Ticks acquire the parasite by feeding on the blood of an infected animal and transmit it through their saliva during their next feeding. The incubation period of this disease after the bite is around 2 to 4 weeks, and the symptoms of babesiosis may take up to 2 months to appear.
What are the symptoms of canine babesiosis?
The symptoms of canine babesiosis can vary depending on their severity and how early the disease is detected. Its clinical presentation is mainly characterized by a febrile syndrome and hemolytic anemia, but it may also include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Anemia
- Jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes)
- Dark urine
- Weight loss
In severe cases, the disease can cause kidney failure, liver failure, and even death in dogs.
How is canine babesiosis diagnosed?
Blood smear
The blood smear test is a low-cost technique that allows the visualization of trophozoites inside red blood cells. This is a definitive diagnosis as it demonstrates the presence of the hemoparasite in a blood sample, preferably collected from peripheral capillary beds. The diagnosis of canine babesiosis should not be ruled out solely based on a negative smear; serological tests or PCR should also be considered.
Serology Test
The SNAP® IDEXX 4Dx® test, which is routinely used in daily clinical practice for screening patients with signs and hematological abnormalities compatible with hemoparasitism, is not valid for canine babesiosis. It is a practical solution with an 8-minute wait time, and with only a small amount of blood (0.3 ml), it can determine the presence of antibodies for Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys, and antigens for Dirofilaria immitis.
The SNAP® IDEXX 4Dx® test, which is routinely used in daily clinical practice for screening patients with signs and hematological abnormalities compatible with hemoparasitism, is not valid for canine babesiosis. It is a practical solution with an 8-minute wait time, and with only a small amount of blood (0.3 ml), it can determine the presence of antibodies for Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys, and antigens for Dirofilaria immitis.
PCR (Polymerase chain reaction)
Currently, it is the most reliable diagnostic method, as it detects the DNA of the bacteria in the dog’s blood. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a chemical reaction that molecular biologists use to amplify (create copies of) DNA fragments. With this test, it is possible to diagnose very mild parasitemias, even those that are 1,000 times lower than what can be detected by optical microscopy.
What is the treatment for canine babesiosis?
The treatment of canine babesiosis includes basic supportive care, maintenance fluid therapy in severe cases of dehydration, and blood transfusion when necessary. The veterinarian must administer the medications depending on the disease’s progression and the patient’s condition. This information is intended for use by a trained professional only.
| Medicine | Dose | Effectiveness | possible side effects |
| Imidocarb dipropionate | 5-6 mg/kg It can be applied again after 2 weeks. | 😄 Effective: B. canis and B. vogeli, with clinical improvement starting within 48 hours if there are no hepatic, renal, or vascular complications. 😐 Less effective: B. gibsoni 😞 Not effective: B. annae | hypersalivation, tachycardia, dyspnea, vomiting and diarrhea. |
| Phenamidine | 15-20 mg/kg | 😄 Effective: B. canis, with clinical improvement starting within 48 hours if there are no hepatic, renal, or vascular complications. | tachycardia, vomiting, hypotension and pain at the application site. |
| Doxycycline | 10 mg/kg oral daily for 4 weeks | Only for infections caused by small-sized Babesia. | – |
| Azithromycin | 10 mg/kg oral daily for 10 days | 😄 Effective: B. gibsoni and B. annae | – |
| Atovaquone | 13 mg/kg Oral every 8 hours for 10 days | 😄 Effective: B. gibsoni and B. annae | – |
| Diminazene aceturate | 3.5-5 mg/kg IM as a single injection | antiparasitic drug used to treat protozoan infections | – |
| pentamidine isethionate | 16.5 mg/kg IM, 2 injections two days apart | Antiprotozoal that interferes with the synthesis of nucleic acids, proteins, and phospholipids, inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation or preventing the incorporation of nucleotides and nucleic acids into the DNA/RNA of protozoa. | – |
| Quinuronium sulfate | 0.25 mg/kg via SC, 2 injections with two days interval | A medication used to block nerve stimuli to muscles and glands, and to relax smooth muscles. It is also used to increase heart rate, reduce secretions, and treat the effects of certain poisons. It is a type of antimuscarinic and tropane alkaloid. | – |
Conclusions
Canine babesiosis is a serious disease that requires immediate attention and proper management to prevent complications. The key to keeping dogs safe from this disease lies in prevention and early detection of symptoms. By using antiparasitic products, performing regular inspections, and consulting a veterinarian at any sign of illness, pet owners can protect their dogs from the dangers of babesiosis.
