There is nothing that scares us more when we have pets infected with parasites.
The truth is that like any other living being, our dogs can deal with different parasites that cause infections and illnesses, some of which are easily treatable. However, there are others that present a mortal danger, such as the case of the babesia in dogs.
what is babesiosis
Babesia canis is a microscopic parasite. In addition, it is a parasite that affects ticks. When one of these ticks is infected with this microscopic parasite, it also feeds on the blood of our dogs. The problem arises when babesia also infects our dog with a very serious disease called babesiosis.
Babesiosis, also known as piroplasmosis, is a severe parasitic pathology which is therefore transmitted by the bites of infected ticks. It can affect any dog, regardless of age or breed. However, it is more common in animals that do not have preventative medicine. The biggest problem is that if this pathology is not treated quickly, it can cause completely irreversible damage and even be fatal.
What are the symptoms of babesiosis
The incubation period after exposure to an infected tick bite is 2 to 4 weeks. However, the symptoms of the pathology may not be noticeable for 2 months.
We find a not very specific box which could coincide with many others. Dogs with fever, loss of appetite and more than obvious fatigue. However, after 24 hours, dogs that have developed these early symptoms usually experience a deterioration in their health.
Note that according to veterinarians, we will find 3 clinical pictures in this pathology: hyperacute, acute and chronic.
acute babesiosis
This is the most frequent image. In these cases, the destruction of red blood cells is observed, causing a fairly significant anemia. Thus, the dog will suffer from fever, inflammation of the lymph nodes (enlargement), as well as an increase in the size of the spleen. In addition, some jaundice or the presence of blood in the urine could also be observed.
hiperaguda babesiosis
It is a more severe clinical picture. The fatality rate is quite high, so a quick response is essential. This phase can be observed in dogs or puppies infested with ticks.
We can end up with symptoms like the previous ones, to which are added shock, a deficit of oxygenation of the tissues and lesions of the vascular network.
chronic babesiosis
It’s an unusual painting, but that doesn’t mean it exists. Additionally, it should be noted that many dogs with chronic babesiosis are asymptomatic. However, this disease, when it is chronic, usually presents with symptoms such as intermittent fever, weight loss, anemia, vomiting and diarrhea, neurological damage, blurred vision and accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
Anyway, if we notice that our pets have any of these symptoms, the main thing is to put ourselves in the hands of a veterinarian so that he can correctly diagnose and begin treatment.
The best weapon: prevention
It is important to know that there is a vaccine against piroplasmosis and therefore a vaccine that generates immunity against this parasite.
The vaccine in question provides immunity for at least six months.