Genetic diversity in Babesia canis and associated comorbidities can be fatal in dogs` babesiosis – a case study

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to briefly present some aspects of Babesia spp. taxonomy, incidence, clinical signs of their infection, and possibilities of prevention, as an introduction to a case study of canine babesiosis presentation. A 7-yearold Malinois dog was presented in August 2020 with signs of generalized icterus, high body temperature and mustard urine, all of them indicating babesiosis. Cytological examination confirmed the large Babesia canis spp., and the biochemical investigations revealed renal and hepatic failure. Although the therapeutic protocol included the specific antidote, imidocarb dipropionate – Imizol® (0.5 ml/10 kg body weight, in a single dose), fluid therapy, vitamin therapy, an antiemetic drug, and supplements for renal and hepatic functions sustaining, the investigated dog died. The postmortem investigation revealed generalized icterus. We consider the delaying of dog presentation at vet an important factor of this outcome; although an infection with various subspecies of Babesia canis was not excluded, the therapeutic intervention would have been the same.