Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cerebellar ataxia linked to babesiosis in two young dogs
By Jacobson, L S·Published in Journal of the South African Veterinary Association·1994·Department of Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Cerebellar ataxia as a possible complication of babesiosis in two dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-month-old Miniature Doberman Pinscher was brought in because it wasn't eating and showed signs of uncoordinated movements. Tests revealed an infection with Babesia canis, a parasite that causes babesiosis. After treatment with a medication called diminazene aceturate, the dog's coordination improved quickly. In another case, a 7-month-old Siberian Husky developed similar uncoordinated movements, along with blindness and weakness, after being diagnosed with babesiosis. This dog responded well to treatment with prednisolone. Both dogs recovered after appropriate treatment, highlighting that cerebellar ataxia (loss of coordination) can be a complication of babesiosis.
People also search for: dog not eating · Miniature Doberman Pinscher babesiosis treatment · Siberian Husky blindness and weakness · cerebellar ataxia in dogs
Abstract
A 6-month-old Miniature Doberman Pinscher was presented with inappetance and cerebellar signs. Babesia canis organisms were found on a capillary bloodsmear. The cerebellar signs resolved rapidly following treatment with diminazene aceturate. A 7-month-old Siberian Husky developed cerebellar signs, blindness and quadriparesis 9 d after presentation with clinical signs typical of uncomplicated canine babesiosis. The dog responded favourably to treatment with prednisolone. Both acute and delayed cerebellar ataxia have been associated with malaria in humans. The clinical signs shown by these dogs were similar to those reported for malaria in humans. Cerebellar ataxia should be considered a possible complication of canine babesiosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7595921/