Ticks are every dog owner's nightmare! In addition to causing itching, allergies and other nuisances, the parasite is also responsible for transmitting very serious diseases to dogs. Even though it is something relatively common among animals, the problem should not be underestimated by guardians. Tick disease, as it is popularly known, can manifest itself in four wayscanine Babesiosis is one of the main forms of manifestation of the disease. Therefore, we have prepared a complete guide on everything you need to know!

Tick-borne disease: Canine Babesiosis is among the main types

In addition to canine Babesiosis, ticks can transmit three other variations of the disease:

• Canine ehrlichiosis: generated by Ehrlichia canis, a bacterium that acts as a parasite on white blood cells;
• Lyme disease (Borreliosis): caused by the bacterium Borrelia and transmitted by the tick Ixodes, the disease is a zoonosis (i.e. it can also be transmitted from animal to man);
• Spotted Fever: another zoonosis, spotted fever is transmitted by the tick Amblyoma cajennense, also known as the star tick.

Patas da Casa talked to veterinarian Cristina Elillo, who serves in São Paulo, to better understand canine Babesiosis. The disease is caused by a protozoan of the genus Babesia, of the species B canis, and acts directly on the red blood cells (red blood cells) of the animal. "The vectors of canine Babesiosis are ticks belonging to the Ixodidae family, and the main responsible for transmission is the Tick.Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, also known as the 'brown tick' or 'red tick'," she explains. There are other subspecies of this protozoan.

Canine Babesiosis is transmitted by infected tick: understand how it happens!

According to Cristina, the disease can cause infection of the dog's red blood cells and lead to severe anemia. Babesiosis happens as soon as the tick lodges in the pet's coat and starts to feed on its blood. At this point, protozoa are released into the host's bloodstream and contamination occurs.

"Transmission occurs from the saliva of infected ticks when they perform blood repast on dogs. With the destruction of red blood cells, the disease is characterized by a regenerative hemolytic anemia ", explains the professional.

Tick-borne disease: symptoms of canine Babesiosis include paleness and depression

Identifying the symptoms of canine Babesiosis is relatively easy. The disease does not take long to present its first signs, both physical and behavioral. Among the main symptoms are: loss of appetite, pallor, jaundice (yellowish skin and eyes), dark urine, yellowish mucous membranes, severe fatigue and depression. "We can also observe lethargy, anorexia and splenomegaly.Clotting problems, apathy and loss of appetite are common," she adds.

It is likely that the first signs of the disease are observed by the guardian himself. The diagnosis is made by the veterinarian with clinical examinations and laboratory tests, such as the blood smear (an analysis that detects the presence of the parasite). Still according to Cristina, "clinical symptoms may vary according to the type of infection: hyperacute, acute and chronic".

What are the stages of canine Babesiosis?

The stages of infection (hyperacute, acute and chronic) have a strong influence on the symptoms and the choice of treatment of the disease. The stages of canine Babesiosis are divided according to their severity. Understand each of them:

• Hyperacute form: the main victims are newborns and puppies, due to the incomplete formation of their defense system. Animals with severe tick infestations are also susceptible to this condition. In the hyperacute state of the disease, the animal may present shock with hypothermia, tissue hypoxia (when the tissues do not receive the necessary oxygen) and other injuries;
• Acute form: this is the most common phase of the disease, characterized by a hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells). Pale mucous membranes and fever are among the main signs;
• Chronic form: although uncommon, this phase usually occurs in animals that have been parasitized for a long time. Symptoms are depression, weakness, weight loss and intermittent fever;
• Subclinical form: This is the most difficult stage to detect: the symptoms are not apparent, so guardians need to be very attentive and observant.

Canine babesiosis: treatment of tick-borne disease should be indicated by the veterinarian

Before anything else, focus on fighting the tick! It is very important to nip the evil in the bud and prevent possible proliferation and recurrence of the disease. "Treatment is based on parasite control, moderation of the immune response and cure of symptoms," says the professional. "Several drugs called babesicides are effective. Prophylactic treatment can also be done inanimals that will travel to or live in endemic areas," he adds.

The use of antibiotics in the treatment of tick-borne disease is common, however, their use may not be sufficient. In more severe cases, such as when the pet has a severe stage of anemia, it is possible that the animal may need to undergo a blood transfusion. "There are no home treatments to combat this disease. Due to its severity, it is always recommended that treatment be done in the most appropriate way.effective and fast as possible, thus avoiding the compromise of the animal's life ", adds the professional.

How to prevent canine Babesiosis?

As expected, the most efficient method to prevent your puppy from being infected by canine Babesiosis is to fight the tick, responsible for transmitting the disease. There are some ways to ensure that your pet is free of the parasite! Among the most common and efficient, we can mention: the use of tick killers in the animal itself and in the environment, anti-parasitic baths and collarsto scare away parasites.