A clinico pathological and therapeutic report on Babesiosis in buffaloes

Abstract

Clinico pathological and therapeutic aspects of Babesiosis in two graded Murrah buffaloes were described. The animals were reported to Veterinary Hospital Eluru, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India during June-July 2017. Pyrexia (103.8℉) anorexia, hemoglobinuria, poor body condition scores and dehydration were prominent clinical signs and ataxia and staggering gait were also observed. Intra erythrocytic Babesia bigemina organisms could be found in peripheral blood smear. Hematological examination revealed anemia (Hb 6.1 & 2.7g/dl; low RBC 3.47X10*6/µl & 1.1X10*6 µl; PCV 20% & 10.7%) thrombocytopenia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, elevated hepatic enzymes, (AST 165.6 & 286 IU/L) creatinine (2.5 & 4.6mg/dl), hypoalbuminemia (2.5 & 2.1g/dl) and hypocalcemia (8.66 & 7.65mg/dl). Both the animals were treated with diamenazene @3.5 mg/kg, along with intensive support therapy. Buffalo 1 recovered with regressed parasitemeia within 24hrs and urine color became normal in 48 hours, apatite and production could be restored after supportive treatment for 10 days. Buffalo 2 died despite intensive treatment in with significant hemato-biochemical abnormalities.