Renal azotemia and associated haematobiochemical findings in a Labrador Retriever dog with Babesia gibsoni infection

A 2-year-old male Labrador retriever was presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, AAU, Khanapara with a history of anorexia, fever, lethargy, dark yellow urine and tick infestation (+++). Clinical examination revealed fever (103.2ºF), tachycardia with laboured breathing, pale mucous membrane, dark yellow urine, melena with swollen superficial lymph nodes. Blood samples collected were subjected to microscopy, haemato-biochemical analysis and PCR. Babesia gibsoni was detected on blood smear examination and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Haemato-biochemical analysis showed anaemia, leucocytosis with increased level of liver and kidney markers. Ultrasonography of kidneys revealed hyperechoic and thickened renal cortex. The dog was initially treated with Imidocarb dipropionate prior to the presentation. Based on clinical signs, microscopy, PCR, haemato-biochemical changes and diagnostic imaging, and earlier history of treatment the present case was confirmed as renal azotemia associated with babesiosis. Treatment was initiated using Diminazene diaceturate, Doxycycline and renal conservative therapy. Following treatment, the dog showed clinical recovery with improvement in the haemato-biochemical parameters.