A Case Presentation of Babesiosis in A Mongrel Cat

Abstract

Haemoprotozoan infections are very common and cause devastating losses and pose a major threat to the animals throughout the world. Most of the haemoprotozoan parasites are transmitted by ticks and is of great economic importance in India. A female cat approximately 3 years age was presented to the Small Animal Unit of Veterinary Clinical Complex for treatment. Pale mucous membranes, depression, anorexia, inability to stand and dehydration were major clinical manifestations and clinical examination of patient revealed elevated rectal temperature with normal respiration and pulse rate. Blood was collected aseptically from the cephalic vein for Hemato-biochemical estimation. Blood smears were prepared aseptically from ear tips and were subjected for Giemsa staining to detect any haemoprotozoans present in the animal. Giemsa staining of the blood smears showed positive for presence of Babesia canis in the erythrocytes and was subjected for treatment with Primaquine Phosphate and Doxycycline combination. After few days of treatment, the health of the cat improved with resolution of clinical signs.