How to treat piroplasmiosis in a dog after a tick bite? - briefly
Administer imidocarb dipropionate (or diminazene aceturate) after confirming infection via blood smear, and provide supportive care such as fluid therapy and antipyretics. Follow up with repeat testing and enforce strict tick‑prevention measures to avoid relapse.
How to treat piroplasmiosis in a dog after a tick bite? - in detail
A tick bite can introduce the protozoan parasites Babesia or Theileria into a dog, causing piroplasmiosis. Prompt recognition and targeted therapy are essential to prevent severe hemolytic anemia, organ dysfunction, and death.
The first step is confirmation of infection. Perform a complete blood count to identify anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Examine fresh blood smears for intra‑erythrocytic parasites; if the smear is negative but clinical suspicion remains high, run a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect parasite DNA or antibodies.
Once diagnosis is secured, initiate specific antiprotozoal treatment without delay. The most widely used agents are:
- Imidocarb dipropionate – administered intramuscularly at 5–6 mg/kg, repeated after 14 days. Monitor for pain at the injection site and potential cholinergic signs; provide atropine if needed.
- Diminazene aceturate – given intravenously at 3.5 mg/kg, repeated after 14 days. Observe for signs of nephrotoxicity; ensure adequate hydration and renal function monitoring.
- Buparvaquone – used at 2.5 mg/kg subcutaneously, repeated after 14 days. Effective against resistant strains; watch for injection‑site reactions.
Supportive care accompanies chemotherapy:
- Fluid therapy – isotonic crystalloids to maintain perfusion and correct dehydration.
- Blood transfusions – packed red blood cells for dogs with hematocrit below 20 % or signs of hypoxia.
- Antibiotics – broad‑spectrum agents (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate) when secondary bacterial infections are suspected.
- Antioxidants – vitamin E and selenium to mitigate oxidative damage to red cells.
- Analgesics and anti‑inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs are contraindicated in severe anemia; use opioids or glucocorticoids only under veterinary supervision.
Monitoring continues for at least six weeks after the final dose. Repeat CBCs weekly, assess parasite load via smear or PCR, and adjust therapy if relapses occur. Chronic carriers may require monthly low‑dose prophylaxis with imidocarb or diminazene to prevent recrudescence.
Preventive measures reduce future risk:
- Apply veterinarian‑approved acaricides (spot‑on, collars, or oral products) according to label instructions.
- Conduct regular tick checks and promptly remove attached specimens with fine tweezers, avoiding skin puncture.
- Keep the environment clean; treat kennels and yards with acaricidal sprays where tick populations are high.
Effective management combines accurate diagnosis, appropriate antiprotozoal drugs, diligent supportive care, and strict tick control to restore health and prevent recurrence.