Babesiosis can make your dog sick, and may infect other humans and animals. In this blog post, our vets in North Providence will discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis for babesiosis in dogs.
What is Babesiosis in dogs?
This tick-borne disease is caused by several Babesia organisms that invade and attack the red blood cells of dogs, mammals, and humans. The most common Babesia organisms in North American dogs are the Babesia canis and the Babesia gibsoni.
How can a dog contract Babesiosis or become infected?
In most cases, dogs are bitten by a tick infected with Babesia organisms. However, some studies indicate that dogs can become infected through open-mouth sores and then pass the infection to other dogs through a bite. Unborn puppies can catch babesiosis from their pregnant mothers.
Babesia infection may also be transmitted inadvertently due to tainted blood transfusion.
What are the symptoms of Babesiosis?
The type of Babesia will determine which symptoms your dog exhibits. That said, common symptoms of Babesiosis include:
- Jaundice
- Fever
- Orange or dark red urine
- Weakness
Dogs with chronic Babesia infections may be asymptomatic. However, even when you don’t notice symptoms, your dog can spread the disease to other pets and people.
How is Babesiosis diagnosed?
Your vet will conduct a physical examination, looking for signs such as pale mucous membranes, an enlarged spleen, and swollen lymph nodes.
If they suspect Babesiosis may be the culprit of your dog’s illness, diagnostic testing, including urine and blood tests, may follow. These will reveal whether your dog has a low platelet count, anemia, bilirubinuria, or low albumin.
A simple blood smear can often detect Babesia organisms. However, other diagnostic tests may include indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT), PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing, ELISA tests, and fluorescent antibody staining.
Vets often recommend Babesia DNA testing (PCR testing) to help determine which type of Babesia organism your dog has become infected with. This information is especially important since infections from different species require different medications.
What is the treatment for Babesiosis in dogs?
Typically, our vets take a three-pronged approach to treating Babesiosis in dogs. This includes:
- Prescribing antiprotozoal medications to help eliminate the parasite.
- Blood transfusions to treat anemia if needed.
- Providing supportive care to treat side effects or complications of Babesiosis, such as anti-nausea medication to help prevent vomiting or oxygen therapy to treat respiratory issues.
What is the prognosis for dogs diagnosed with Babesiosis?
Typically, the disease progresses fairly quickly when most dogs are diagnosed. How well your dog will recover depends on which organs are affected and the side effects they experience from infection. As such, prognosis is usually guarded.
Dogs that survive an initial Babesia infection can be asymptomatic but remain infected for a relatively long time and may then suffer a relapse.
Dogs with chronic (low symptom or symptom-free) infection may still spread the disease to other animals.
How can I prevent my dog from getting Babesiosis?
Preventing the disease is key, as treatment can be expensive. To help avoid Babesiosis, ensure your dog is on tick-prevention medication year-round. This is an effective way to prevent a host of tick-borne diseases.
Check your dog daily for ticks and remove any you discover. Once the tick starts feeding on your pet, Babesia is transmitted in at least 48 hours.
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.