My dog has Babesia canis. Is it Brucella? What is this disease?

Hello, According to the attached diagnostic test results, Bruno tested positive for Babesia. Babesia is a red blood cell parasite that usually causes anemia but it can cause decreased platelets and kidney injury. I would advise you to discuss therapy with your veterinarian as soon as possible. The disease is treated with a couple of drugs but typically imidocarb.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If your Vet said it might go away then it is possible that he could clear it. He likely won't die suddenly. If the infection worsens he will ACT sick first. If Danny is doing well and you are willing to watch and wait then recheck blood work in 3-6 months. Good luck!

Your dog has a blood parasite transmitted by ticks, ie Babesiosis. Up to now, no single drug has effectively and consistently eliminated B. gibsoni from infected dogs and the side effects, as well as availability, of some of the medications limit their use. Here is information on B.gibsoni infection. You may want to discuss with your veterinarian, whwther he wants to proceed with treatment or just use supportive treatment. There is no virus involved. http://www.vetfolio.com/infectious-disease/babesia-gibsoni-an-emerging-pathogen-in-dogs

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Itis good that Bruno is feeling better. Babesia gibsoni can be very hard to completely clear and is an infection that can remain in hiding/dormant with no outward clinical signs. Therapy with variety of different medications has been tried with varying success. Months (2-3) of therapy is often needed. It is important that control of the vector (ticks) be a priority in preventing reinfection if the current infection is cleared.

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Not every treatment will work for every strain of babesia ( ie B. canis & B. gibsoni ). If the Imidocarb did not clear the babesia, please discuss with your veterinarian the use of one of these 3 treatments: Diminazene aceturate; Atovaquone & Azithromycin for at least 10 days; or Enrofloxacin, Doxycycline & metronidazole combination for 6 weeks. Hopefully, one of these treatments is available to you & will clear the Babesia from Gundu. Take care.

Babesia, just like all the other tick borne diseases, can show up positive on the snap test, because the snap test confirms exposure and not always current infection. As long as Danny's bloodwork does not show current low platelets or anemia, then he is likely free of infection. Just expect him to be positive on the screening test for a while, and monitor him for any recurring symptoms, which would indicate a repeat infection. The fact that he is clinically ok now, is a good sign that he is free from true infection. : ) I would also make a point to keep him on a tick/flea preventative to help protect him from future infections. Best wishes with your pet Danny moving forward! Take care.

Babesia can cause an increase in the WBC count. Imidocarb dipropionate (Imizol) is the drug typically recommended to treat Babesia. Talk to your vet about treatment recommendations. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!