Babesiosis in Dogs Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis

Babesia infections occur in dogs and other species and are transmitted mainly by ticks. The severity of illness varies considerably depending on the species of Babesia involved, as well as the immune response of the infected dog. The primary result of a Babesia infection is anemia as the immune system destroys infected red blood cells, but Babesia can have other effects throughout the body as well.

What Is Babesia?

Babesia is a type of protozoal parasite that infects red blood cells, causing a disease called babesiosis. There are many strains of Babesia that infect a wide variety of animals, but there are only a few strains that affect dogs. Since the understanding of Babesia is still improving, diagnosis and treatment of Babesia infections remain challenging.

Signs and Symptoms of Babesia in Dogs

Babesia infections have a wide range of severity: they can be very mild or very severe, sometimes even fatal. The severity depends mainly on the strain of Babesia involved but also on the immune system of the dog. Babesia strains in the U.S. generally produce milder disease compared to some of the strains found elsewhere. The course of the disease may be cyclical, with periods of symptoms punctuated by times where symptoms are absent.

In severe cases, multiple organ systems may also be affected including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and the nervous system. Sometimes dogs suffer a very acute form of Babesiosis and suddenly go into shock and collapse.

Causes of Babesia

Most Babesia infections are acquired through ticks. Because it is spread by ticks, Babesia is most common in warmer weather when ticks are most numerous. Infections are also possible through blood transfusions, and in the case of one Babesia strain (Babesia gibsoni), dog-to-dog transmission via bite wounds is thought to be a mode of transmission. Mothers can also pass Babesia to their pups before birth. While any dog can be infected, young dogs tend to suffer more serious illness. Greyhounds, pit bull terriers, and American Staffordshire terriers seem to be most susceptible to infection.

Diagnosing Babesia

It can be difficult to confirm a diagnosis of Babesiosis. Blood tests may show a decrease in the number of red blood cells and platelets (thrombocytopenia), but this is not specific to Babesia. Blood smears can be examined for the presence of the Babesia organisms. If they are present, the diagnosis can be confirmed, but they may not always show up on a smear. Taking blood from a cut on the ear tip or from a toenail can improve the odds of finding the parasites.

Blood can also be tested for antibodies to Babesia, though this can sometimes produce misleading results. Specialized testing can check for genetic material from Babesia, and while this is the most sensitive test, it is not widely available and has some limitations as well. Generally, a combination of lab tests along with clinical signs and history are used to make a diagnosis. The diagnosis is further complicated by the fact that dogs infected with Babesia may also be infected with other diseases carried by ticks, such as Ehrlichia, Lyme disease, or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Treatment

A variety of drugs have been used to treat Babesia, with varied success. Imidocarb dipropionate is used most commonly in the U.S.; diminazene aceturate is not available in the U.S. but is used as a treatment option elsewhere. Both have a range of side effects which can be quite severe. A newer combination of drugs including azithromycin and atovaquone is promising, though expensive. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.

Treatment relieves the symptoms of babesiosis, but it seems that in many cases, it does not fully clear the parasite from the body. Dogs may remain infected at a low level and Babesia can flare up again in times of stress or reduced immune function. Dogs that have been diagnosed with Babesia should not be bred or used as blood donors (to prevent spreading disease).

How to Prevent Babesia

Preventing exposure to the ticks that carry Babesia is the best means of preventing babesiosis. Check your dog daily for ticks and remove them as soon as possible (ticks must feed for at least 24 to 48 hours to spread Babesia). This is especially important in peak tick season or if your dog spends time in the woods or tall grass (consider avoiding these areas in tick season).

Products that prevent ticks such as monthly parasite preventatives (e.g., Frontline, Revolution) or tick collars (e.g., Preventic) can be used; be sure to follow your veterinarian's advice when using these products. Keep grass and brush trimmed in your yard. In areas where ticks are a serious problem, you can also consider treating the yard and kennel area for ticks. A vaccine is available in Europe, but is only effective against particular strains of Babesia, and even then it is not 100 percent effective.