Disease risks for the travelling pet: Babesiosis
- Johan Schoemanand
Johan Schoeman graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 1991. He spent seven years working in private practice in the UK followed by a period lecturing at Cambridge. He is currently associate professor and head of the Section of Small Animal Medicine at the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Pretoria at Onderstepoort.
- Andrew Leisewitz
Andrew Leisewitz graduated from the University of Pretoria in 1987. After two years in the state service, a year in small animal practice and 15 years in clinical small animal medicine, he now holds a research position in the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases at the University of Pretoria.
Abstract
BABESIOSIS is a tickborne disease affecting humans and many domestic and wild animals. Domestic species showing appreciable morbidity and mortality include dogs, cats, cattle and horses. Both canine and feline babesiosis are diseases characterised by haemolytic anaemia, icterus and haemoglobinuria. Canine babesiosis can range from chronic or subclinical to peracute and fatal, depending on the virulence of the Babesia species present and the susceptibility of the host. Feline babesiosis has a more insidious onset, but can be equally fatal due to the late presentation of many feline patients. This article discusses the epidemiology and clinical presentation of the disease and reviews current knowledge regarding its diagnosis and treatment.
- British Veterinary Association. All rights reserved.
