Babesiosis in a -3-Month-old Nigerian Indigenous Male Puppy

Abstract

Babesiosis is a protozoan disease caused by Babesia spp, which is an intra-erythrocytic parasite of domestic and wild animals. The parasite is mainly transmitted by infected ticks through bite and it is characterized by fever, paleness and icteric mucous membranes and emaciation. This paper reports case of babesiosis in a 3-month-old Nigerian indigenous male puppy at Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The relevant history, clinical signs and laboratory evaluations were recorded. The effects on some hematological parameters were studied and recorded. The dog was successfully transfused with 226 ml of blood and then treated with a single dose of 4% Diminazene aceturate at the dose rate of 4 mg/kg intramuscularly (I.M). Thereafter, the patient was monitored until fully recovered.

Keywords: Puppy, Babesiosis, Diagnosis, Blood transfusion and Treatment