The so-called canine malaria is a disease transmitted by parasites, namely ticks. The causative agents are single-celled organisms that destroy red blood cells in the dog’s blood, leading to severe health problems. Babesiosis can be fatal if left untreated or treated too late. Good tick prevention is strongly recommended.

What is Babesiosis in Dogs?

Babesia are single-celled organisms waiting in ticks for a host. There are three species found in the United States that affect dogs:

Transmission

Approximately 24 to 48 hours after the tick bite, the parasite is transmitted. In the case of the brown dog tick, about 12 hours are sufficient. The delay in transmission is due to the Babesia themselves. They only form a reproductive form when the tick starts to feed on blood, and this form is then transmitted.

The incubation period, the time from infection to the onset of the disease, is between one and three weeks.

Distribution Areas

The risk areas vary depending on the type of Babesia. This is also important to know for potential travel with a dog. There are also mixed areas where multiple species are present.

The majority of cases are concentrated in the Northeast and upper Midwest, specifically in regions of New England, New York State, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. In the Northeast, babesiosis is observed in both inland and coastal areas, encompassing offshore islands like Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard (Massachusetts), Block Island (Rhode Island), as well as Shelter Island, Fire Island, and the eastern part of Long Island (New York State).

Another source of infection would be a blood transfusion with contaminated blood.

What Symptoms Do Dogs Have with Canine Babesiosis?

Symptoms in dogs usually become apparent approximately one to three weeks after being bitten by a wood tick. This timeframe applies to other types as well. Depending on the species of Babesia, symptoms may vary, but the main symptoms are generally the same:

Additional symptoms may include:

Left untreated, Babesiosis can lead to kidney failure and failure due to anemia. The liver and central nervous system can also be severely damaged, and retinal detachment may lead to blindness.

Babesiosis, especially in weakened or young/old animals, rapidly progresses to death. Untreated, it is usually fatal for all dogs.

How is Canine Babesiosis Diagnosed?

After a report from the dog owner, the veterinarian may have suspicions. Subsequently, a blood test is conducted, which may vary depending on the species of the pathogen. Babesia canis and Babesia vogeli can be seen immediately under the microscope. In this case, a drop of blood (capillary blood from a small prick on the ear) is spread thinly and stained. Capillary blood contains more Babesia than venous blood, and the pathogens are easily recognizable in the deformed red blood cells under the microscope.

However, a PCR test in the laboratory is always advisable if there is suspicion. This test detects the genetic material of the pathogens in the blood, allowing the exact type of Babesia to be determined. The results of this test take a few days. Babesia vulpes are so small that detection under the microscope is challenging, making the PCR test essential for confirmation.

Additionally, a regular blood test can indicate whether the percentage of red blood cells is lower than usual (hematocrit value) and whether there are potential organ problems.

Can Canine Babesiosis Be Treated?

A cure for canine malaria is possible if it is detected early enough. A prior PCR test is crucial because treatment varies depending on the type and strain. The veterinarian injects a medication against Babesia under the skin, with the quantity and frequency varying depending on the species and strain. However, a different medication is used for Baseia vulpes.

Additional medications may be added depending on the dog’s condition and infestation. After treatment, another PCR test is performed to assess the success. If the dog is severely ill, it may require a blood transfusion and intensive therapy.

The prognosis is uncertain. Dogs, if they survive, can remain infected for life and experience recurrent relapses. Moreover, they remain contagious to other dogs (even through dropped ticks!). These dogs are also not eligible to donate blood.

Can the Owner Prevent Babesiosis in Dogs?

There is a vaccine, but it is rarely available in Germany. As a preventive measure before traveling to a risk area, a medication can be injected. This is not effective against all species and lasts for about three weeks. It does not protect the dog from infection but rather from a severe course of the disease. The best prevention is proper tick control!

Dog owners should seek advice from a veterinarian, especially if they plan to travel with the dog to a risk area. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid areas with many ticks, such as damp, tall meadows, or forest edges. It is sensible to keep the dog on paths in such areas. After each walk, the dog owner should check the dog for ticks and remove them promptly.