Management of Babesiosis in a Nigerian Local Breed of Dog: A Clinical Case Study

Canine Babesiosis is a worldwide tick-borne disease. In dogs, it is usually caused by Babesia canis . On physical examination, the dog was febrile, it had a high pulse and respiratory rates, the submandibular lymph nodes were bilaterally enlarged, the ocular mucus membranes were pale, there was heavy tick infestation, dark-colored urine, the perineum was matted, and the dog was weak. Peripheral blood smear examination revealed the presence of Babesia parasites in the erythrocytes, severe anemia, icterus, neutrophilia, anisocytosis, macrocytosis, and polychromatophilia. This case is an uncomplicated case of babesiosis and the dog recovered after the treatment regimen. This study aims to report a case of babesiosis in a Nigerian Local dog, describe the clinical presentations, briefly describe the pathophysiology of the clinical signs seen, and illustrate the importance of early diagnosis and rational treatment strategies.