Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog in Poland with three tick and worm infections treated successfully
By Gałęcka, Ismena & Platt-Samoraj, Aleksandra·Published in BMC veterinary research·2025·Department of Epizootiology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Case report of a triple vector-borne infection in a dog: co-infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., and Dirofilaria repens in North-Eastern Poland.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old Central Asian Shepherd Dog was brought in showing signs of apathy and not wanting to eat. Blood tests revealed that he was infected with three different diseases caused by parasites: Babesia, Anaplasma, and Dirofilaria. After starting treatment for these infections, the dog showed significant improvement just two days later. This case highlights the importance of thorough testing when pets show unusual symptoms, as it can lead to faster diagnosis and effective treatment.
People also search for: dog lack of appetite · dog fever symptoms · Babesia treatment in dogs · Anaplasma infection in dogs · Dirofilaria in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This is the first case of triple co-infection with vector-borne diseases confirmed by blood smear results and molecular confirmation of the anaplasmosis and dirofilariosis in a dog from North-Eastern Poland. CASE PRESENTATION: A 4-year-old, uncastrated male Central Asian Shepherd Dog with symptoms of apathy and lack of appetite was diagnosed with triple vector disease infection. Microscopic examination of a blood smear revealed the presence of Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and microfilariae. PCR confirmed the presence of A. phagocytophilum and Dirofilaria repens. Clinical examination revealed elevated core body temperature and thrombocytopenia. Treatment for the identified pathogens was initiated. Complete improvement of clinical condition was observed on the second day of treatment. CONCLUSION: The detection of three different pathogens in a blood smear is not often reported, but it can significantly speed up the diagnosis and initiation of targeted treatment. It should be confirmed using molecular methods, which are commonly used in companion animals, especially for diagnosing co-infections.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40616099/