Babesia Infections in Dogs
Babesiosis is a disease caused by a family of Babesia organisms that are seen worldwide 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 does the Babesiosis infection spread?
Babesiosis is most often contracted through the bite of an infected tick. However, dogs infected with organisms that have open-mouth sores can pass the infection on to other dogs through a bite. It is also possible for pregnant females to transmit Babesiosis to their unborn puppies.
What are the signs of a Babesiosis infection in dogs?
Chronic Babesiosis can be asymptomatic in dogs (no obvious symptoms). Still, it's important to understand that even when symptoms are not apparent, the dog can spread the disease to other animals or people.
If your pooch contracts Babesiosis, the symptoms your dog develops will depend on the type of Babesia organism that has infected your pet. Some of the most common symptoms of acute Babesiosis include jaundice, weakness and fever.
How will your vet diagnose Babesiosis?
When you take your dog in for an examination, your vet will thoroughly examine 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 bilirubinuria and 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.
Babesiosis Treatment in Dogs
Treatment for Babesiosis in dogs requires a three-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 (an antibiotic) is typically used to treat Babesia gibsoni infections in dogs.
What is the outlook for dogs infected with Babesiosis?
The prognosis for dogs with Babesiosis is generally guarded. Most Babesiosis cases are not caught until the condition fairly progresses, meaning treatment is too 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 and then experience a relapse. That's why pet parents must know that dogs with chronic, symptom-free, or mild symptom infections can still spread the disease.
How can you prevent Babesiosis infections?
Keeping your dog on year-round tick prevention medication can reduce their risk of contracting tick-borne diseases such as Babesiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis.
Examining your dog's skin for ticks daily and removing any parasites you find can also help prevent tick-borne diseases. Once the tick begins feeding on your dog, Babesia transmission typically takes 48 hours or longer.
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.