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Babesia Canis

Babesia canis, the Cause of Piroplasmosis

Babesia canis was was called Piroplasma canis, so you may hear infection with this parasite called "canine piroplasmosis". B canis is a one-celled parasite that infects dogs and other wild carnivores like wolves and the fox.

It can be quite common in certain areas of the southern United States.

The parasite lives in red blood cells where it reproduces by dividing in two. Sometimes 2, 4, or even more. Parasites can be found in a single red blood cell. The infected cells rupture and release the parasites that can then enter new cells.

The parasite is transmitted from animal to animal by ticks.

Unlike other diseases, infections with B. canis are less severe in young dogs than older ones. Severity may vary depending on the strain, the level of infection, the immune status of the dog.

In most cases anemia occurs. If enough numbers of the red blood cells rupture, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice and kidney failure can result. Dogs have recurring fevers, lose their appetites and can become emaciated.

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