Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Piroplasma infection in dogs in northwest Spain explained
By García, Angel Tomás Camacho·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2006·Laboratorio Lema & Bandí, Spain·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Piroplasma infection in dogs in northern Spain.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs in northern Spain was diagnosed with a tick-borne infection called babesiosis, caused by a newly identified parasite related to Theileria annae. Symptoms included severe anemia, low platelet counts, and kidney issues, which were indicated by high levels of urea and creatinine in their blood tests. Treatment options were not specified in the study, but the findings highlight the need for further research to determine the best ways to manage this emerging disease. Pet owners in affected areas should be vigilant for symptoms and consult their veterinarian if they suspect their dog may have been exposed to ticks.
People also search for: dog tick-borne disease symptoms · babesiosis in dogs treatment · dog anemia causes and treatment
Abstract
Babesiosis is a world-wide zoonosis caused by tick-borne hematozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. Canine Babesidae have historically been classified as "large Babesia" (Babesia canis) and "small Babesia" (Babesia gibsoni) based on the size of their intraerythrocytic forms. Genetic sequencing technology using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has allowed further subdivision. B. gibsoni has three strains: "Asia", "California" and a recently identified small babesial-like parasite, Theileria annae. This newly recognised piroplasm appears to be hyperendemic in northwest Spain. In order to provide some insight into the situation, all the cases diagnosed in our laboratory (NW of Spain) during 2003 were evaluated. Our study (62 samples) shows the existence of a piroplasm morphologically different from B. canis and similar to B. gibsoni, which is genetically related to T. annae. Severe regenerative anemia and thrombocytopenia are almost constant characteristics of infection with T. annae in dogs. In many cases azotemia is found. Abnormally high serum concentrations of urea and creatinin, together with elevated concentrations of inorganic phosphorus, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, proteinuria, high protein/creatinin and presence of hyaline and granular casts in the microscopic examination of urine sediment suggest a glomerular component to the disease. We conclude that observational research and clinical trials should be conducted in order to improve our understanding of this emerging disease in order to provide some insight into the best therapeutic practices.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16513282/