These infections occur by transmission of the protozoal parasites called Babesia. They attack red blood cells and so a common symptom of Babesia is anemia. Infection however isn't limited to the blood and can attack other parts of the body and the severity of symptoms/illness will vary from species to species of Babesia.

There are many species of babesia, and each infect its own separate host species, but there are a few that can infect dogs. Though the most common mode of transmission is through ticks (making this infection more common in warmer climate) there are certain Babesia species that can be transmitted through blood transfussions, bite wounds, and mother to pup.

Any dog can contract the protozoan but young dogs tend to get especially sick. Greyhounds, Pitbull Terriers, and American Staffordshire Terriers seem to be breeds that are most susceptible to the illness.

Symptoms:

As said before, the severity of this will depend on the species of Babesia and also on the immunity of the dog. Some cases may not even show clinical signs and the more severe cases may end up in fatalities.

Symptoms include:

•fever
•weakness
•lethargy
•pale gums and tongue
•red or orange urine
•yellow tinge to skin, gums, whites of eyes, etc
•enlarged lymph nodes
•enlarged spleen

Diagnosis

Diagnosing this disease can prove to be difficult even though there are multiple ways to do so, not one is fool proof.

-WBC/ Platelet count: Taking a count of white blood cells and platelets is an indication of Babesiosis but isn't really specific to it.

-Blood Smears: If the parasite is present in the blood smears then the vet can diagnose it as such, but the parasite may not always show up in these tests.

-Checking for antibodies: A vet can check to see if the dog has antibodies for Babesia but these results may give misleading results

-Checking for DNA: Tests can be given to see if any genetic material from Babesia can be found. While this may be the most sensitive test, its not widely available.

Complicating diagnosis of Babesiosis is that the dog may be carrying other illnesses that are generally transmitted by ticks.

Prevention:

Since tick transmission is the most common way to contract the disease the best way to prevent it is to make sure your dog doesn't have ticks on it. If you are in warmer climates and if your dog spends lots of time in tall grasses its always a good idea to check for ticks. The tick would have to feed for a period of 1-2 days before it spreads Babesia.

(Summary from http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/diseasesandconditions/a/CW-Babesia.htm?nl=1 )

hmm i dont think ive ever heard much about that..but very interesting. i love how i log in and learn something new just about every day~!

schnauzkyLVR wrote:

hmm i dont think ive ever heard much about that..but very interesting. i love how i log in and learn something new just about every day~!

Glad you liked it. Actually I've never heard of this infection either, thats why I thought to post it.

Before the shot ofr kennel cough is given the dog needs to be healthy and not have any signs of lung infections.
If she has pneumonia you are going to have to wait until she is well before giving the shot.
If not it could make things worse rather than better.
When you give a shot you are introducing the bacteria into the dogs body and waiting for the dogs body to react and creat immunity to the stuff by reacting ot what was in the shot.
The dog needs to be healthy when given shots to make sure they can react with the proper immune response.

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Babesias are microscopic blood parasites that cause disease in many animals. This group of protozoal organisms are spread from dog to dog by ticks.


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I hate those dreaded ticks! My aunt's dog has so many ticks and they make me itch every time I see them. Can anyone tell me the best treatment for ticks?

AnnSmith wrote:

I hate those dreaded ticks! My aunt's dog has so many ticks and they make me itch every time I see them. Can anyone tell me the best treatment for ticks?

Checking your dog regularly if you live in areas of high tick infestation is a good preventative. Also things like garlic and yeast powder are some home remedies for ticks however its good to do lots of research on this to make sure that you want to go through with using it.