Babesia Infections in Dogs
Babesiosis is a disease caused by a family of Babesia organisms that are seen across the world and spread to animals through the bite of infected ticks. Once inside your dog's body, these organisms invade and attack your pet's red blood cells, often leading to anemia.
Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni are the two most common varieties of Babesia infections seen in dogs across the United States.
How Babesiosis is Spread
Babesiosis is most often contracted through the bite of an infected tick. That said, if a dog is infected with the disease and has open mouth sores, they are able to pass the infection along to other dogs through a bite. Pregnant females can also transmit Babesiosis to their unborn puppies.
Signs of Babesiosis in Dogs
Chronic Babesia can be asymptomatic in dogs (no obvious symptoms), but it's important to understand that even when symptoms are not apparent the dog can spread the disease to other animals or even to people.
If your dog contracts Babesiosis their symptoms will depend on the type of Babesia organism they have been infected by. Some of the most common symptoms of acute Babesiosis include jaundice, weakness and fever.
How Babesia Infections Are Diagnosed
When you take your dog in for an examination, your vet will perform a thorough examination checking your pup for signs of Babesiosis such as swollen lymph nodes, pale mucous membranes, and an enlarged spleen.
If a Babesia infection is suspected your vet might recommend blood and urine tests to check for the presence of bilirubinuria as well as signs of anemia, low platelet count, and low albumin.
Babesia organisms can sometimes be seen by doing a simple blood smear, however, diagnostic testing may be required such as fluorescent antibody staining, indirect, immunofluorescence (IFAT), ELISA tests, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing.
Because different strains of Babesia infections require different treatments, your veterinarian might recommend Babesia DNA testing to determine which strain of the organism has infected your pet.
Treatment For Babesiosis in Dogs
Babesiosis treatment requires a 3 pronged approach to fight the infection.
- Antiprotozoal medications can be prescribed to help eliminate the parasite from your pet's bloodstream.
- Blood transfusions may be used to treat anemia in dogs.
- Further supportive treatments such as oxygen therapy (to treat respiratory issues), or anti-nausea medication (to help prevent vomiting), will be prescribed to address your pup's symptoms.
Depending on the strain of Babesia your canine companion is infected with Imidocarb dipropionate injections may also be recommended. A combination of atovaquone (a quinone antimicrobial medication) and azithromycin (antibiotic) is typically used to treat Babesia gibsoni infections in dogs.
Prognosis For Dogs with Babesiosis
The prognosis for dogs with Babesiosis is generally guarded. Most Babesiosis cases are not caught until the condition fairly advanced, meaning that treatment is late to begin. How well your dog recovers from the condition will depend upon the severity of the condition and which systems of the body are affected.
Dogs that recover from an initial Babesia infection may remain infected but asymptomatic, only to experience a relapse later.
Because dogs can be carrying the infection but symptom free pet parents must be vigilant about taking steps not to prevent the spread of the condition. If your dog has recovered from a Babesia infection be sure to follow your vet's instructions for ongoing care.
Preventing Babesiosis in Dogs
Keeping your dog on year-round tick prevention medication can be an effective way to reduce your dog's risk of contracting tick-borne diseases such as Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis.
It typically takes 48 hours or longer for Babesia transmission to occur once the tick begins feeding on your dog. Examining your dog's skin for ticks every day, and removing any parasites you find, can also help to prevent your dog from contracting this and other tick-borne diseases.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.