Babesia bigemina and Setaria microfilaria in an Ongole cow

A five-year-old Ongole cow was presented to Veterinary Hospital Eluru, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, with a history of anorexia, moderate dyspnea, dullness, ataxia, and coffee-colored urine. Clinically, the animal showed pyrexia, laboured respiration, pale conjunctiva, and depressed predisposition. Microscopic examination of stained blood smear revealed that the animal had a concurrent infection of Babesia bigemina and Setaria microfilaria. Haematological studies showed low haemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, moderate neutrophilia, and lymphopenia. The animal died despite treatment with diminazene aceturate and Ivermectin. Understanding the pathophysiology of mixed infections is essential to mitigate the adverse effects on animal health and productivity.