What is piroplasmosis in dogs with ticks? - briefly
Piroplasmosis is a tick‑borne hemoparasitic disease of dogs caused primarily by Babesia or Theileria species, which invade red blood cells. The infection typically produces fever, anemia, jaundice, and can progress to severe, potentially fatal complications if untreated.
What is piroplasmosis in dogs with ticks? - in detail
Piroplasmosis in canines is a tick‑borne hemoparasitic disease caused primarily by Babesia spp. and, less frequently, by Theileria spp. The parasites invade erythrocytes, leading to their destruction and subsequent hemolytic anemia. Transmission occurs when an infected hard tick, such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis, or Ixodes ricinus, feeds on a dog and inoculates sporozoites into the bloodstream. The life cycle includes asexual replication within red blood cells and sexual reproduction in the tick’s gut, enabling continual spread among canine populations.
Clinical manifestations develop within days to weeks after exposure and may include:
- Pale mucous membranes and lethargy due to anemia.
- Fever, shivering, and loss of appetite.
- Dark or hemoglobinuria‑colored urine.
- Jaundice and icteric sclera.
- Enlarged spleen and lymph nodes.
- In severe cases, hemoglobinuria, renal failure, and hemorrhagic complications.
Laboratory evaluation reveals regenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated bilirubin. Definitive diagnosis relies on microscopic identification of intra‑erythrocytic parasites on stained blood smears, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for species‑specific DNA, or serologic tests detecting antibodies. PCR provides the highest sensitivity, especially in low‑parasitemia infections.
Therapeutic protocols combine antiprotozoal agents and supportive care. Commonly used drugs include:
- Imidocarb dipropionate (5 mg/kg intramuscularly, repeated after 14 days).
- Atovaquone plus azithromycin (13.5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg orally, respectively, for 10 days) for Babesia gibsoni infections.
- Diminazene aceturate for certain Babesia species.
Supportive measures consist of fluid therapy, blood transfusions for severe anemia, and anti‑inflammatory medication to control fever and pain. Prompt treatment improves survival rates; delayed intervention increases risk of organ failure and mortality.
Prevention focuses on tick control and vaccination where available. Effective measures include:
- Regular application of acaricidal collars, spot‑on products, or oral tick‑preventive medications.
- Frequent inspection and removal of attached ticks.
- Environmental management to reduce tick habitats.
- Vaccination against Babesia canis (available in some regions) to stimulate protective immunity.
Monitoring recovered dogs for relapse is essential, as chronic carrier states can persist and serve as reservoirs for further transmission.