Feline Babesiosis: A case report

A case of feline babesiosis with its successful management is described and discussed in this report. One month old kitten was referred with the history of anorexia and prostration developed 3-4 days back when tobacco paste was applied to control ectoparasites. Detailed examination revealed poor general condition, rough coat, marked emaciation, dullness, depression, prostration, inability to get up, lowered body temperature (100° F), tachypnoea, tachycardia, pale mucus membranes and pinne, abdominal distention, constipation, hepatomegaly and muscle tremors; low haemoglobin (5.0, g/dl), low haematocrit (13 %) and preponderance of small amoeboid, oval/rounded trophozoites of different sizes in erythrocytes resembling with those of Babesia felis.

The kitten responded well to two doses of primaquine phosphate @ 0.5 mg/kg b. wt. given orally weekly along with supportive therapy with vitamin B-complex and zinc, silymarin and cyprohepatadine.