Vol. 9, Issue 1, Part C (2024)

Author(s): SC Paramesha, PT Ramesh, N Prakash, VS Lathamani, BM Veeregowda and HS Madhusudhan

Abstract: A 1.5-year-old Bannur sheep, weighing 22 kg, presented to Veterinary College Hospital, Bengaluru, with clinical signs of high fever, anorexia, respiratory distress, blood-mixed urination, and a history of tick infestation. Clinical observations revealed dullness, pale mucous membrane, tick infestation, and hemoglobinuria. Physical examination indicated elevated temperature, heart rate, pulse rate and absence of rumeno-reticular motility. Auscultation revealed muffled heart sounds and respiratory crackles. Blood smear confirmed intraerythrocytic Babesia piroplasm. Thoracic radiography revealed pulmonary edema, congestion, and pleural effusions. Echocardiography disclosed mild to moderate pericardial effusion with an increased LA/Ao ratio. Hematology showed reduced RBCs, hemoglobin, platelets, and PCV, while WBC count increased. Serum biochemistry indicated elevated CK-MB, creatinine, BUN, ALT, AST, and total bilirubin with decreased total protein and albumin. Combined findings of thoracic radiography elevated CK-MB and echocardiography suggest significant cardiac and pulmonary involvement in this babesiosis case in Bannur sheep.