Babesis canis/B.gibsoni
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CANINE BABESIOSIS |
Canine babesiosis is a protozoan disease caused by Babesia canis or Babesia gibsoni and is transmitted by ticks. This disease is found in both tropical and sub-tropical regions. There are different strains of Babesia canis transmitted by the tick vectors; Rhicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor spp. Babesia canis is not known to be zoonotic, infecting only dogs and wild canids. The severity of the disease can differ greatly depending on the strain and the immune status of the dog but it can be fatal. The clinical signs include weakness, anorexia, lymphadenomegaly and jaundice. Prevention is by tick control using appropriate ectoparasiticides and daily inspection and removal of ticks. A vaccine has been developed in Europe but it is not available in the UK.
Babesia canis is not endemic in the UK (yet!) but one autochthonous case has been recorded (click here). Dogs from the UK travelling to endemic areas (see Travelling pets) are highly susceptible to this infection which will kill dogs in a few days after signs show. Rapid diagnosis and specific treatment are essential.
Babesia canis/Babesia gibsoni testing at TEST-A-PET
Parasite Detection
We provide Geimsa staining of thin blood smears to demonstrate the presence of intraerythrocytic organisms, preferably from whole peripheral capillary blood (EDTA) in which parasites are most likely to be found e.g. from ear tip or nail bed.
Sample required: 0.5ml whole blood (EDTA) from a peripheral capillary / fresh (un-fixed) smears.
Results are available within one working day of us receiving the sample.
Antibody Test
A Babesia IFAT is currently under development.
Links
For details on submitting samples for Babesia canis/Babesia gibsoni testing, please click here.
For further advice on diagnosis and treatment, please click here.
To see our “in-focus” article on canine babesiosis, please click here.
For further reading on canine babesiosis, please click here.
For maps showing the distribution of the major vector-borne parasitic infections of dogs and cats in Europe including Babesia canis, please click here.
