Signs of Babesiosis. What should I do if my dog gets a tick?

Babesiosis is a disease caused by a tick-borne protozoan (Babesia canis) parasitic on the erythrocytes of the dog. The mites feed on the animal’s blood and spread the disease through saliva. The incubation period of the disease (the time between the introduction of the babesia into the body and the onset of symptoms) is between 3 and 30 days.

Once in the dog’s body, babesiosis multiplies by destroying erythrocytes and platelets. When the red blood cells disintegrate, haemoglobin is excreted in the urine, which tints the urine orange or rusty. As erythrocytes disintegrate, the body’s oxygen supply deteriorates. Thus, as the number of damaged erythrocytes increases, the animal’s condition worsens. Failure to treat the animal in time can lead to liver, kidney and other organ failure and death. For a detailed explanation of how to recognise the signs of babesiosis in dogs, how to treat them and how to avoid contracting the disease, please watch the special educational video prepared by our clinic.