BABESIOSIS

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Causative Agent(s)

Caused by a protozoan of the genus Babesia, such as Babesia gibsoni, B. canis, B. vogelli and B. microti.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Clinical signs include fever, pale mucous membrane, depression, enlarged lymph nodes and spleen. Blood test may confirm anaemia, hypoalbunaemia, thrombocytopenia, and bilibinuria.

Babesia species are found worldwide. It is spread by a bite of an infected ixodid tick causing animal to animal transmission though transplacental transmission to unborn puppies is possible.

Diagnostic Considerations

Diagnosis is by blood smear examination, fluorescent antibody test, ELISA tests, and PCR which is able to detect all four species of Babesia.

Management and Treatment:

Imidocarb (Imidocarb dipropionate) 5-7.5mg/kg IM, SC; should be given at least twice. Post- management blood smear examination should be done to observe the level of clearance of the parasites.

Ganesugeur : 3-5mg/kg IM in dogs. Advisable to give two doses at two weeks apart.

Caution: Care should be exercised with use of Imidocarb. The side-effects include pain at the point of injection, vomiting, restlessness, panting and diarrhoea.

Adjunct/Supportive therapy, Vitamin and mineral supplement, Antipyretic, Fluid therapy and Oxygen