Canine babesiosis.
Canine babesiosis is a tickborne, protozoal, hemoparasitic disease that can cause varying degrees of hemolytic anemia, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and fever. Babesia organisms frequently are classified as large or small. Large Babesia infections are attributed to one of three subspecies of Babesia canis. All small Babesia infections previously were attributed to B gibsoni, but molecular analysis and DNA sequencing have revealed that there are at least three small piroplasms infecting dogs. Correctly identifying the infectious agent is important for treatment planning and prognosis.
Boozer
A Lindsay
AL
Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Wire Road, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. boozeal@vetmed.auburn.edu
Macintire
Douglass K
DK
D000818:Animals; D001404:Babesiosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs