Mary Allen
Babesiosis is one of the diseases transmitted to dogs by ticks. It is sometimes called the so-called canine malaria, and when severe, it is life-threatening to a four-legged friend. The disease is provoked by babesias (unicellular parasites). The disease owes its name to the Romanian Victor Babes, who found the pathogen in bovine blood. There are different types of babesia in the world. Babesia canis and Babesia vogeli are found in dogs. Babesia species depend on the type of tick in question.
Incubation Period of Babesiosis
In relation to infectious diseases with borreliosis, the incubation period of babesiosis is much shorter. After one to three weeks, you will not be able to recognize your dog’s symptoms – and should immediately contact your veterinarian.
Be Careful in Risk Areas and When Adopting Dogs from Abroad
Babesiosis destroys red blood cells Babesiosis owes its name “canine malaria” primarily to the associated destruction of red blood cells. This feature is characteristic of malaria found in humans.
Especially if you are taking a dog from the subtropics or generally southern European countries, you should think about the possible Babesiosis disease. However, as a general rule, dogs should be screened for such conditions prior to placement.
Reputable organizations also keep you informed about common diseases in dogs. Caution is also required when resting with a four-legged friend in areas at risk of babesiosis.
Diagnostics: Symptoms and Course of Babesiosis
As with Lyme disease, the course and symptoms of babesiosis in dogs vary from a four-legged friend to a four-legged friend. Distinguish between the precautionary, acute, and chronic course. As a result of the disease, there are, among other things, severe attacks of fever. Yellowish or pale mucous membranes and lack of appetite are also characteristic of the disease. Therefore, babesiosis can quickly lead to massive weight loss. As a result of the destruction of red blood cells, the urine of sick animals often acquires a reddish or brownish tint.
There is a direct laboratory method for detecting babesiosis. The decisive factor for the result is the so-called “antibody titer”, which, however, can be misleading if the four-legged friend has just become infected. Otherwise, a significantly increased value is the first sign of babesiosis in dogs. The veterinarian can also diagnose the disease for the first time based on the symptoms described by the owner of the dog.
Consequences of Babesiosis
Serious consequences are irreversible damage to the central nervous system, such as difficulty walking or maintaining balance. The most serious consequence is the development of kidney failure, which can lead to the death of the dog within a few days. Heart failure and circulatory failure can also lead to death – both of which affect puppies, young dogs, or dogs with weak immune systems.
Vaccination Against Babesiosis
In theory, dogs can be vaccinated against Babesiosis. However, only one of the existing vaccines (Novibac Prio) is approved in the European Union. However, this does not completely protect the four-legged friend. The severity of babesiosis symptoms is only significantly alleviated.
Vaccinations can also have side effects and should only be done when necessary, such as if you are planning to travel with your dog to a country with a high infection rate. If you are interested in the cost of the vaccine, you can contact your veterinarian. At best, your dog can protect it from ticks with an appropriate tick treatment and therefore other potentially dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis.
Babesiosis Treatment
Once a dog is diagnosed with babesiosis, it must be treated immediately. This applies primarily to the acute, but also to the chronic course of the disease. In addition to the disease itself, of course, symptoms such as anemia, fever, or poor appetite must be treated so that the four-legged friend can recuperate and fight the disease.
Conventional antibiotics, which are also used for malaria, have proven to be particularly effective in treatment. They are administered over a period of several days and in most cases result in rapid improvement. Even though babesiosis is very similar to malaria in humans, dog owners don’t need to be afraid: you won’t be able to infect your four-legged friend.