Is untreated babesia life-threatening for my dog with no symptoms?

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.

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.

Hello, It is Babesia not Brucella. Babesia is a protozoal parasite that attacks the red blood cells of dogs causing anemia. You need to have Danny treated for Babesia as soon as possible. Typically, patients are treated with imidocarb. Please follow up with your veterinarian to discuss therapy.

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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is a possibility that the platelets could drop further. I’d have his platelets rechecked in 2 more weeks. If they are lower consider treating again. I wish you the best!

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

Hello. I am, unfortunately, unfamiliar with all the parasites present in your area, but there are several tick borne diseases that can cause the symptoms you describe. Ehrlichiosis is a blood parasite that is spread through tick bites & will cause fever, malaise, anemia, thrombocytopenia ( low platelets ), elevated ALT ( liver enzyme ), loss of appetite & weight loss. The disease can be mild or life-threatening. Many of these tick borne diseases present in a similar manner. Treatment with tetracycline drugs such as doxycycline are standard, & treatment is often 3 weeks long. Most dogs do very well if there are no other underlying diseases or problems. If this sounds like what WaWa has, then for the most part, she should recover. Make sure that from here on out you do meticulous tick control. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.