Laboratory diagnosis of Babesiosis in a Rottweiler dog

A three and half years old female Rottweiler dog was brought to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli for diagnosis and treatment with a history of anorexia since a week. Physical examination of the ailing animal revealed pyrexia and splenomegaly. Haematological estimation showed anaemia, thrombocytopenia and eosinophilia. Microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears revealed the presence of intra erythrocytic parasites, suggestive of Babesia gibsoni. Blood picture showed polychromasia and presence of nucleated red blood cells (RBC) and Howell Jolly bodies. Biochemical studies revealed increased levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was carried out using the suspected blood sample confirmed the presence of Babesia gibsoni infection. Based on the present laboratory findings, diagnosis was confirmed as babesiosis and the affected animal was treated successfully. The animal became active and alert with normal feeding habits after 10 days of post treatment.