Tick-borne Diseases of Domestic Animals and Wildlife

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a disease that affects dogs, cats, and cattle.  The brown dog tick and American dog tick have been implicated in disease transmission. 

Symptoms:   

Dogs:  Puppies that are infected may experience lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, blood in the urine, vomiting, and anemia.  Babesiosis can become chronic, resulting in recurring fever, depressed appetite, and loss of body condition.  Symptoms are less obvious in older dogs, which may present with anemia and infection or inflammation as a result of increased lymphocytes in the blood.

Cats:  Symptoms in cats under two years of age may include lethargy, loss of appetite, general weakness, rough coat, and diarrhea.

Cattle: Symptoms include depression, fever, loss of appetite, pale and yellow (jaundice) eyes and gums, blood in urine, and anemia.  In severe cases, cattle may experience signs of nervousness, lack of coordination, paralysis, and coma.

Treatment:  
Several drugs have been approved for the treatment of babesiosis.  You should consult your veterinarian about proper treatment of your animal.

 

Lyme Disease
Babesiosis
Ehrlichiosis
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Tick-Borne Diseases of Domestic Animals and Wildlife main page