My dog was bitten by a tick and has piroplasmosis, what should I do? - briefly
Seek immediate veterinary care for diagnosis confirmation and appropriate anti‑piroplasmic treatment; begin supportive therapy such as fluid replacement and monitor for anemia and fever.
My dog was bitten by a tick and has piroplasmosis, what should I do? - in detail
A canine that has suffered a tick attachment and received a diagnosis of piroplasmosis requires prompt veterinary intervention. The following actions constitute the standard protocol.
First, schedule an urgent appointment with a veterinarian experienced in vector‑borne diseases. Early assessment allows confirmation of the infection through blood smear, polymerase chain reaction, or serologic testing, and determines the severity of anemia, fever, and possible organ involvement.
During the veterinary visit, expect the clinician to:
- Perform a complete physical examination.
- Collect blood samples for microscopic evaluation and molecular diagnostics.
- Measure hematocrit, platelet count, and renal and hepatic parameters.
- Initiate anti‑protozoal therapy, typically a combination of imidocarb dipropionate or diminazene aceturate, administered according to the animal’s weight and disease stage.
- Provide supportive care, which may include: – Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and maintain perfusion. – Blood transfusions if severe anemia is present. – Antipyretics for fever management. – Analgesics if pain is evident.
After treatment begins, monitor the dog closely for adverse reactions, such as injection site inflammation or gastrointestinal upset. Follow‑up blood work at 7‑ and 14‑day intervals assesses therapeutic response and detects possible recrudescence.
Preventive measures reduce the risk of future infections:
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved acaricide spot‑on product or oral chewable medication every month.
- Conduct routine tick inspections after outdoor activities, removing any attached ticks promptly with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward.
- Maintain the yard by trimming grass and clearing leaf litter to diminish tick habitats.
- Consider vaccination against Babesia canis, where available, for dogs in high‑risk regions.
Owner vigilance, timely veterinary care, and consistent preventive strategies together ensure the best prognosis for a dog recovering from tick‑borne piroplasmosis. «Effective treatment and diligent prevention are essential to restore health and avoid recurrence».