Why is babesiosis dangerous and how to help an animal after a tick bite?

Babesiosis (also pyroplasmosis) is an infection with babesia, a parasite that can live and multiply inside cells. They enter the animal's bloodstream when the tick bites it and injects its saliva.

Babesia destroys red blood cells, the blood cells responsible for supplying oxygen to tissues and organs. As a result, anemia (a decrease in the number of red blood cells) develops very quickly, and internal organs, especially the liver and kidneys, are affected. In the absence of professional treatment, this process can soon result in the pet's death.

How to recognize babesiosis?

Babesiosis is often found in dogs and rarely in cats. The period from the moment of infection to the onset of symptoms lasts from a couple of days to two weeks. The first symptoms of babesiosis are as follows:

• Indifference to food.
• Weakness.
• Diarrhea, sometimes vomiting.
• Fever up to 40°, even higher.

Later, when the disease is already actively developing, the urine becomes saturated in color, up to brown. The mucous membranes become noticeably pale or yellow. Shortness of breath appears, and the general condition of the pet can be characterized as severe. If these symptoms are present, you should immediately take your pet to the vet.

What should you do to prevent a tick bite from being fatal to your pet?

Your vigilance and timely visit to the veterinarian will help preserve the health and life of the animal. Here are 3 stages of protecting your pet from babesiosis and its consequences:

• Prevention. Treatment with drops applied to the withers and inspection of the animal's coat after each walk in the warm seasons. If you notice a tick that has sucked on the pet's skin, carefully twist it out, for example, in the direction of the clockwise movement, treat the bite with an antiseptic and immediately consult a veterinarian!
• Diagnosis. You will need to take a smear for babesiosis. Only a drop of blood is needed for the test.
• Treatment. At an early stage of the disease, it is usually possible to limit outpatient treatment. After confirmation of the diagnosis, the animal is injected with a drug that suppresses the vital activity of babesia. The situation is monitored by blood tests. In a more complicated case, hospitalization may be required, and sometimes patients need a blood or red blood cell transfusion.

Do not ignore the signs of the disease! Do not try to treat your pet on your own. A delay can cost you your pet's life, so take it to Animal Clinic immediately.