Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Babesia canis infections causing lethargy and weight loss in dogs
By Cardoso, Luís et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2008·Department of Veterinary Sciences and CECAV·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Babesia canis canis and Babesia canis vogeli infections in dogs from northern Portugal.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Eight dogs in northern Portugal were brought to the vet showing symptoms like lethargy, muscle tremors, weight loss, pale gums, fever, and red urine. Tests revealed they were infected with Babesia canis, a parasite that can cause serious illness in dogs. The infections were confirmed through blood tests that identified the specific types of Babesia involved. This study highlights the presence of these parasites in Portugal, which is important for diagnosing and treating affected dogs.
People also search for: dog lethargy and tremors · red urine in dogs · Babesia canis treatment · dog weight loss causes · pale gums in dogs
Abstract
Canine babesiosis represents an important veterinary medical problem. This study describes the molecular characterization of babesial parasites detected in eight clinically suspected dogs from northern Portugal, affected by lethargy, muscle tremors, weight loss, pale mucous membranes, hyperthermia or red-coloured urine. Microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears showed large intraerythrocytic piroplasms morphologically compatible with Babesia canis in all eight animals. DNA was extracted from blood on filter paper, and a Babesia spp. infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a 408bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. Analysis of PCR-derived sequences revealed that seven dogs were infected with B. canis canis and one with B. canis vogeli. This is the first molecular identification report of both the species B. canis and the subspecies B. canis canis and B. canis vogeli in dogs from Portugal.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18602757/