Deadly Babesiosis: A Complete Guide for South African Pet Owners

Babesiosis is a serious and fatal tick-borne disease, if not treated. It affects many dogs in South Africa, especially in the summer.

The Babesia parasite causes it. The parasite infects and destroys red blood cells. This leads to anemia, organ failure, and death if left untreated.

• Common symptoms include fever, weakness, pale gums, jaundice, and dark urine. Severe cases may cause respiratory distress and neurological issues.
•  Diagnosis involves identifying the parasite in blood smears or through PCR testing. Treatment includes antiparasitic medications and supportive care.

Prevention is key. It focuses on year-round tick control. It sells products like Bravecto, Nexgard, and Seresto collars. It also means reducing tick habitat.

Some breeds like Boerboels and Ridgebacks may resist babesiosis more. But, all dogs are at risk.

If you think your dog has been exposed to ticks or has symptoms, quickly contact your vet. Early treatment is critical for the best outcome.

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that significantly threatens dogs in South Africa. It’s caused by a parasite called \*Babesia\*, which multiplies in red blood cells. The main culprits are \*B. rossi\* and \*B. vogeli\*, with \*B. rossi\* being more aggressive.

An infected tick bites a dog. It injects \*Babesia\* parasites into the bloodstream through its saliva. These parasites attack and multiply in the red blood cells until they burst. This process leads to hemolytic anemia. It destroys red blood cells faster than the body can produce them. Anemia, along with toxins from the burst cells, is what causes the symptoms of babesiosis.

Babesiosis symptoms usually appear 1-3 weeks after an infected tick bite. They can be mild or severe. The most common signs include:

• Fever
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Pale gums and tongue
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Orange, red, or dark-colored urine
• Enlarged spleen or liver
• Weight loss

In more advanced stages, dogs may develop:

• Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress
• Neurological symptoms like seizures, incoordination, or muscle tremors
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Collapse and shock

Without prompt treatment, babesiosis can rapidly progress to multi-organ failure, coma, and death. Owners should be watchful for signs. They should contact their vet right away. Dog owners should seek veterinary care if they suspect their dog has been exposed to ticks or is showing symptoms.

In South Africa, the yellow dog tick (\\\*Haemaphysalis elliptica\\\*) carries canine babesiosis. It is the primary vector. These ticks are widespread across the country, especially in warm spring and summer.

When a tick feeds on an infected dog, it ingests blood containing *Babesia* parasites. The parasites multiply within the tick’s gut and migrate to its salivary glands. When the tick bites another dog, it passes the parasites through its saliva. The parasites enter the new host’s blood and invade the red blood cells.

Dogs can also get babesiosis less often. They can get it from tainted blood transfusions. They can also get it from an infected mother dog to her puppies during pregnancy.

Diagnosing Babesiosis

If a dog shows signs of babesiosis and a possible tick bite, the vet will do a detailed check-up. They will also suggest tests. Typically, they will look at a blood sample under a microscope. They do this to check for \*Babesia\* parasites in the red blood cells. They may do more tests to check the infection’s severity. They will also rule out other conditions, including:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate the degree of anemia and check platelet levels
• Biochemistry profile to assess organ function and electrolyte balance
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the DNA of *Babesia* parasites
• Serological tests to measure antibodies against *Babesia*

In some cases, a bone marrow sample may be analyzed if parasites are not detected in the peripheral blood.

Treatment for canine babesiosis varies with its severity. Generally, it includes antiparasitic drugs and support. In South Africa, common medications are Berenil and Forray 65. They destroy \*Babesia\* parasites in red blood cells.

Supportive care is essential. It manages the symptoms and complications of babesiosis. It may include:

• Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and correct electrolyte imbalances
• Blood transfusions to treat severe anemia
• Oxygen therapy for respiratory distress
• Anti-nausea medications to control vomiting
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce fever and discomfort

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide intensive care and monitoring. Even with the right treatment, babesiosis can be fatal. This is especially true in young puppies, old dogs, and those with weak immune systems..

Prognosis and Potential Complications

The prognosis for dogs with babesiosis depends on two things. It depends on the severity of their condition and how quickly treatment starts. Most dogs respond well to therapy and recover fully if the disease is caught and treated early.

But, dogs with severe anemia, low platelet count, or organ dysfunction have a worse outlook. Despite intensive care, the mortality rate for complicated babesiosis can reach 10-15%. Surviving dogs may have lasting health issues. These include kidney disease or nerve problems.

Some dogs may still have low levels of the parasite in their blood after treatment. During times of stress or immunosuppression, a relapse of symptoms can occur. Healthcare providers may recommend regular check-ups and blood tests. These tests are to monitor for hidden infection.

Preventing Tick Bites and Babesiosis

The best way to protect your dog from babesiosis is to prevent tick bites. Use a reliable tick control product year-round, such as:

• Bravecto (fluralaner) is a chewable tablet. It provides 12 weeks of protection against ticks.
• NexGard (afoxolaner): A beef-flavored chew given monthly
• Simparica (sarolaner): A liver-flavored chewable that protects for 35 days
• Seresto collar (imidacloprid + flumethrin): Provides 8 months of continuous tick protection

Always follow the product label instructions. Ask your veterinarian to choose the best option for your dog’s lifestyle and health.

Other preventive measures include:

• Checking your dog for ticks daily, especially after walks in grassy or wooded areas
• Promptly removing any attached ticks using tweezers or a tick removal tool
• Keeping your yard trimmed and free of tall grass and brush where ticks thrive
• Avoiding tick-infested areas during peak tick season

Some studies suggest that certain South African breeds, such as Boerboels, Ridgebacks, and German Shepherds, may have a degree of natural resistance to babesiosis. This resistance comes from generations of exposure. However, this resistance is not well understood and can vary among individual dogs. Regardless of breed, all owners should remain vigilant and prioritize tick prevention.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

If you find a tick on your dog, or see signs of babesiosis, contact your vet right away. Prompt treatment is crucial for the best chance of a full recovery.

Be extra watchful in spring and summer. Ticks are most active then. Consider any of the following signs a veterinary emergency:

• Extreme lethargy or weakness
• Pale or white gums
• Labored breathing or panting
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Neurological symptoms like seizures or loss of coordination
• Collapse or inability to stand

Breed-Specific Considerations

All dogs in South Africa are at risk for babesiosis. But, some local breeds may have developed some resistance over generations of exposure. Breeds like the Boerboel, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and African wild dog are thought to get less severe disease.

However, this resistance is not fully understood and can vary among individual dogs. All owners, regardless of their dog’s breed, should stay on top of tick control. They should also be watchful for signs of illness.

For more on canine babesiosis in South Africa, see these helpful videos:

• How to Prevent Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
• Recognizing the Signs of Babesiosis in Dogs

References

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