Am I treating healthy dog?

Re: Am I treating healthy dog?

Ruta — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:32:29 GMT

[quote user="mariette asselbergs"]

Hi Ruta,

I only have experience with Babesia in France and Africa, but I would suspect your dog just to be a carrier, because in my experience it is an acute disease in susceptible dogs, but almost symptomless in immune carriers. And yes, very hot weather can be taxing for a heavily pregnant bitch. But then I would expect her to eat at night if it is cooler then? I do hope you are just worried about a healthy dog...

Mariette

[/quote]

Thanks, I hope that too. :)

Re: Am I treating healthy dog?

mariette asselbergs — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:25:53 GMT

Hi Ruta,

Mariette

Re: Am I treating healthy dog?

Ruta — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:20:24 GMT

Hello, Mariette,

There is no signs of dehydration. Babezia canis was diagnosed in blood swab by our technician (she has more than 20 years experience on this field). Also she said that this is just beginning of this disease.

I also would suspect anaemia, hematuria, splenomegalia and fever as typical signs. But there is none of that.

The dog is in Lithuania, and it is very hot here - the temperature is about 30C. Is this could be also the reason?

Ruta

Re: Am I treating healthy dog?

mariette asselbergs — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:07:44 GMT

I would be surprised if she was ill from Babesia canis because this gives a high fever and anaemia due to haemolysis. You would have found lowered PCV and haemoglobinuria. Where is this dog and how was Babesia diagnosed?

I would also agree that pregnancy can make bitches very dull, lazy and maybe a bit picky eaters, but I would continue to take temperatures just in case a fever develops. If she is really not drinking that would be serious though, and would soon lead to dehydration. Any signs of that?

Mariette

Re: Am I treating healthy dog?

Thomas Johnson — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:49:53 GMT

Pregnant bitches can get something similar to morning sickness at this stage of pregnancy, so that may be why she isn't eating, it usually resolves in about a week though.