What is canine babesiosis?
Canine babesiosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia that infect and destroy red blood cells. In Europe the most relevant species are Babesia canis (transmitted by Dermacentor reticulatus) and Babesia vogeli (transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, more common in southern regions). Babesiosis can progress rapidly and is potentially fatal within 24–48 hours without treatment.
Symptoms
- Haemolytic anaemia: pale or yellowish gums and mucous membranes, extreme weakness.
- Dark red or brown urine (haemoglobinuria).
- High fever (>40 °C / 104 °F).
- Severe lethargy and loss of appetite.
- Rapid heart rate and laboured breathing.
- In complicated cases: acute kidney failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), pulmonary or cerebral oedema.
Diagnosis
- Blood smear: protozoa are visible inside red blood cells (characteristic pear-shaped pairs). Fast and direct.
- Full blood count: intense regenerative anaemia, thrombocytopenia.
- PCR: species identification and highest sensitivity.
Treatment
- Imidocarb dipropionate (Imizol®): antiparasitic of choice, given by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Typically 1–2 doses (14-day interval for B. canis).
- Intensive supportive care: IV fluids, blood transfusion for severe anaemia (PCV <15–20 %), renal protection.
Take your dog to an emergency vet immediately if they have pale gums, dark urine or cannot stand.
Prevention
- Fast-acting tick preventives: isoxazolines (fluralaner, afoxolaner, sarolaner, lotilaner) offer the fastest onset (<24 h). Acaricidal collars (deltamethrin, flumethrin) are also effective.
- Full tick check after every walk in long grass or woodland — Babesia transmission can occur within a few hours of attachment.
- Remove ticks immediately with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight out without twisting.