Clinical symptoms
The clinical signs of babesiosis vary widely in severity, from acute collapse and systemic shock to a severe hemolytic crisis, to mild and gradually progressing infections that might not immediately show noticeable symptoms. Typically observed clinical signs include unusually dark urine, fever, lethargy, paleness of mucous membranes, listlessness, enlarged lymph nodes, and an increased size of the spleen.
Diagnosis
Blood smear examination remains a practical diagnostic method for babesiosis in dogs, with microscopy being the simplest and most accessible test for many veterinarians. However, a sufficient level of parasites in the blood is necessary for accurate detection through this method.
Rapid antibody tests for Babesia spp. can also be conducted in veterinary clinics, providing results within 5 to 10 minutes. A positive result indicates either an active infection or a previous exposure to the pathogen.
Real-time PCR testing offers a highly sensitive alternative by detecting Babesia DNA in whole blood samples. This method not only surpasses the sensitivity of blood smear examination but also helps confirm an active infection by identifying the specific DNA of the pathogen. Additionally, PCR testing enables more precise identification of the Babesia species infecting the dog, aiding in targeted treatment strategies.
