Vol. 9, Special Issue 6, Part C (2024)

Author(s): K Lakshmi, K Satish Kumar, K Dhileep and A Deepika

Abstract: Canine babesiosis is a hemoprotozoan disease affecting dogs and caused by Babesia gibsoni or Babesia canis. Six dogs of various age group, breeds and gender presented to Veterinary clinical complex, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar with history of reduced appetite, fever, lethargy and dark yellow colored urine and tick infestation were screened for Babesia. Clinical examination of the dogs revealed dullness depression, pale mucous membrane, dehydration. Upon palpation of popliteal lymph node, it was swollen. The body temperature, respiration and pulse rates were slightly elevated. Microscopic examination of a giemsa-stained blood smears confirmed Babesia organisms in erythrocytes which was later confirmed as Babesia gibsoni by PCR. The haematological and biochemical parameters showed decrease levels of RBC, Hb, PCV, Platelets and increased levels of WBC, ALT, ALP, Total bilirubin and Direct bilirubin. Therapy with Atovaquone and Azithromycin along with supportive therapy showed marked improvement.