Clinical Babesiosis in a Dog Caused by Babesia vogeli: A Case Report from India

A one year old male dog with signs like fever, dullness, loss of appetite, and vomiting was presented at the Referral Veterinary Clinical Complex, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. On clinical examination, it was found with ticks on the body, a pale mucous membrane, pyrexia (103.1), and dehydration. Haematological examination revealed decreased RBC and thrombocyte counts, and Giemsa’s stained blood smear manifested Babesia vogeli organisms, i.e., followed as the main method of diagnosis in the study. The dog was treated with imidocarb dipropionate @6.6 mg/kg IM and doxycycline @ 6 mg/kg body weight IV in divided doses, along with fluid and vitamins as supportive care against babesiosis, and the animal showed progressive recovery within 2-3 days of treatment. This study could provide essential information while deciding preventive measures against emerging vector-borne parasites at an early stage, especially against canines.