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Babesiosis

What is babesiosis?

Babesiosis, also known as tick fever, is a disease caused by ticks. These ticks can carry a parasite that may be transmitted to dogs. The parasite settles in the animal’s red blood cells. For transmission to occur, the tick must have been attached to the dog for at least 20 hours.

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What are the symptoms?

  • Fever

  • Poor appetite

  • Vomiting

  • Pale and/or yellow gums and mucous membranes

  • Increased heart rate

  • Dark-colored urine

 

What is the treatment?

It is very important to act quickly if Babesiosis is suspected. Go to the vet immediately and mention that your dog has been bitten by a tick. The veterinarian will administer two injections to your dog, approximately 10 days apart. The earlier the treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery. If left untreated, your dog may suffer from chronic issues as a result of the disease.

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Is it contagious?

Babesiosis is generally not contagious, except in cases of blood-to-blood contact. Unfortunately, due to climate change, this disease has recently started appearing in the Netherlands, although still in very rare cases. In the Mediterranean region, however, the risk of infection is significantly higher.

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