Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXIII, Issue 2
Written by Laurențiu LEICA, Ioan Liviu MITREA, Mariana IONITA
Canine babesiosis is a protozoan tick-borne disease affecting dogs worldwide. Knowledge on the prevalence and clinico-pathological aspects of Babesia species infecting dogs is of epidemiological and veterinary medical interest. Here we describe twenty cases of clinical babesiosis diagnosed in dogs, between March-June 2016, in a Veterinary Clinic located in the seaside (Dobrogea region) of Romania. Dogs with clinical signs compatible for babesiosis and positive when tested for the presence of intraerytrocytic protozoan parasites using the blood smear method were included in the study. Of the total animals, the most affected were adults (over 8 years of age); dogs of Bichon Maltese breed and male animals appear in higher numbers. The clinical presentation, pathological findings and therapeutic approaches are discussed in three clinical groups: mild, moderate, and severe babesiosis. Group one comprises dogs (n=9) with mild babesiosis characterized by lethargy, anorexia, fever without major changes in the hematological parameters; no other organ pathology. Dogs (n=5) with moderate babesiosis showed at least one change in the hematological (anaemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia/neutrophilia, leukocytosis) and/or biochemical (elevated levels of liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine, low albuminemia) parameters, reflecting an organ disorder. The third group included dogs (n=6) which developed complications associated with babesiosis, presenting at least two of the following complications: acute renal failure (n=3), hepatopathy (n=4), pancreatitis (n=2), acute respiratory distress syndrome (n=1). All animals were treated with imidocarb. Additionally, for dogs with moderate and severe babesiosis, a symptomatic treatment (intravenous fluid therapy, antiinflamatory, antypiretic, antiemetic, antispastic, procoagulant drugs) was administrated, while four dogs with severe anemia (PCV: 14 -27.57%) needed blood transfusion, too. The recovery rate (100%, 100%, and 50%, respectively) for the three clinical groups and mortality rate (0, 0, and 50%, respectively) revealed that a successful treatment is depending on the severity of diseases and the individual response of the host.
[Read full article] [Citation]
