Clinical signs and ultrasonographic findings in canine babesiosis

Abstract

Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease of dogs caused by intra-erythrocytic parasites of the genus Babesia. Affected animals exhibits various signs such as anemia, fever, jaundice and multi-organ dysfunction. The major clinical manifestations observed in 24 babesiosis affected dogs were lethargy (91.66%), weakness (91.66%), anorexia (87.50%), pale mucous membranes (83.33%), lymphadenopathy (91.66%), splenomegaly (58.33%) and tick infestation (100%). Ultrasonographic examination of the affected dogs revealed hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, gallbladder abnormalities, renal echogenicity changes and ascites. These findings highlighted on the importance of combining clinical evaluation and ultrasonography for improved accuracy in diagnosis and better understanding of the systemic involvement in canine babesiosis.