Babesosis – How can we recognize the disease from ticks?

Pet owners usually know the importance of prophylaxis in case of ticks infestation. However, there is no way to completely protect our animal. What dangers do for the dog if it becomes a guest for this parasite?

Most people believe it Lyme disease It is the primary disease caused by ticks, but most of the time the dogs are diagnosed with a completely different disease, called Babesiosi. In this case, the disease is caused by a protozoa called Babesia Canis, who enters the blood flow of the animal together with the Curno Saliva. The target of this protozoer is represented by red blood cells in the canine blood, in which they multiply and decompose.

What are the causes of babesiosi in dogs

There are several identified causes of babesiosi:

• Mint bite (therefore, most of the cases meet in spring and autumn);
• Transfusions with infected blood;
• transmission from one dog to another through the bite;
• Transmission before the birth of chicks (from mother to chickens). In fact, younger dogs are more at risk of suffering a serious form of babesiosis.

What are the ticks

Ticks are external parasites found in the wooded areas, with rich vegetation, but also in parks and gardens. They are active throughout the year, but above all spring and autumn. They are very resistant and adaptable parasites. They do not have the opportunity to jump or fly, but easily capture the animal fur when walking through grass.

How the ticks of dogs influence

• After reaching the guest animal, the check sign begins to feed on blood, which leads to the redness of the skin instead of the bite.
• Therefore, the parasite bite transmits parasitic, viral or bacterial infections. These can endanger the life of the animal (influencing the nervous system and the immune system, in particular).
• Ticks can transmit diseases such as: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, hepatozoonosis and babesiosis.

Types of babesiosi

Babesosis manifests itself in three forms:

• chronic;
• acute;
• Super -end.

It would be better for the vet to establish the type of affection and the treatment that the dog needs, so do not hesitate to go with the dog to check.

Resistant canine races vs. Babesious Razze Canine Crinet

What is known so far is that some canine breeds are more resistant to babesiosi, while others are subject to this condition.

Babesious resistant breeds are:

• Beagle;
• Fox-terrier;
• Deck.

The races inclined to the babesiosi are:

• Spaniel Cocker;
• Beijing;
• Doberman;
• Yorkshire.

What are the symptoms of babesiosis?

What should you pay particular attention not to neglect the first symptoms of the disease? Everyone knows their animal better, so we are able to observe the smallest changes in his behavior. We must remember that, regardless of the type of disease that our dog has to face, the most important is the rapid reaction and the veterinary consultation.

The main sign of the babesiosi is fever for a long period of time (Over 40 degrees Celsius). There are other symptoms that should put you on your thoughts:

• in appearance;
• accelerated breathing;
• anemia;
• weight loss;
• constipation;
• diarrhea;
• dark urine (this symptom does not always manifest);
• muscle contractions;
• Apathy.

In more serious forms of the disease, symptoms of vomiting and dyspnea may also occur.

The disease develops on average 6-9 days from the time of the bite, but sometimes lasts for months until full development, which makes it difficult to connect the two moments (the bite and the appearance of symptoms). In any case, you should know that the first symptoms do not differ much from the manifestations of other infectious diseases.

Diagnosis of babesiosi in dogs

The diagnosis of babesiosi is based on:

• anamnesis (clinical signs and information provided by the animal owner);
• blood tests (hemoleucogram). It may be necessary to repeat the blood tests over time, in order to make a correct diagnosis;
• ultrasound (following which the increase in the spleen is found).

What do you need to know about the babesiosi

• It must be said that the prognosis is almost always reserved in this disease, because it can evolve differently, depending on the state of resistance of the animal and its maintenance.
• The younger animals evolve better.
• It matters a lot and the moment when the disease and the promptness of the owner are detected to present the vet.
• It is possible that, in more serious cases, the veterinarian will make the decision of a transfusion therapy.
• Biochemistry analyzes are important, because on the basis of the doctor it can determine the degree of affection of the organs and therefore establish the correct treatment.
• However, it may happen that the condition is discovered after months or even years, because animals can survive for a period, especially if they have a strong immune system. Dogs can face the affection for a while, but they don’t heal yourself. They need specialized care and treatments.
• Sometimes it is difficult to understand what the problem is, above all because the first symptoms, if manifested, do not differ much from an infectious disease.

Important to remember!

To the animals to which a serious form of babesios has been diagnosed has great chances of dying, even if the disease has been detected in time and receives adequate treatment.