Species: Dog
Condition: Babesiosis
Organ System: Immune
Canine babesiosis is caused by a tick-borne protozoan parasite (Babesia sp.)and is characterized by hemolytic anemia, febrile illness, thrombocytopenia, and splenomegaly. Lymphatic, immune, and hematologic systems are most commonly affected, but other systems may also be involved including the nervous and urinary systems. Infections can affect any dog breed at any age. Important risk factors include tick infestation or exposure, blood transfusion from infected donor, recent dog bite, immunosuppression, splenectomy, and transplacental transmission. Infections caused by Babesia gibsoni are more predominant in American pit bull terriers.
Breeds exposed to Babesiosis – Research Reference
Alsatian Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
German Shepherd Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Schnoodle Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Schnauzer Giant Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
German Shepherd – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Schnauzer Giant – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Alsatian – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Schnauzer Standard – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Schnoodle – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Schnauzer Standard Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Babesiosis or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.