Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First cases of dog babesiosis from Babesia canis canis in Latvia
By Berzina, Inese et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2013·Latvia University of Agriculture·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Autochthonous canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis canis in Latvia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three dogs in Latvia were diagnosed with babesiosis, a disease caused by a parasite called Babesia canis canis, without having traveled outside the country. They showed no signs of other infections, and tests confirmed the presence of the parasite in their blood. This is the first time babesiosis has been reported in Latvia, indicating that the disease may be spreading in the region. Pet owners should be aware of this disease, especially if their dogs show symptoms like fever, lethargy, or anemia.
People also search for: dog fever symptoms · babesiosis in dogs · how to treat dog anemia · dog blood parasite treatment
Abstract
This is the first report of confirmed canine babesiosis in Latvia supporting the observed geographical expansion of this disease. Between 2009 and 2011 three dogs which have not traveled outside of Latvia were diagnosed with babesiosis. Hematological analysis and serological tests for granulocytic anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and borreliosis were negative (Idexx SNAP 4Dx test). Peripheral blood erythrocytes of the three dogs contained large Babesia that were identified as Babesia canis canis by PCR. Sequences of partial 18S rRNA gene were 98-100% similar to the sequences of B. canis canis isolated from dogs in other European countries. We conclude that these are the first autochthonous canine babesiosis cases reported from Latvia.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23582665/