PYROPLASMOSIS IN DOGS IN THE AKTOBE REGION

Abstract

During the awakening of nature, heralding the beginning of the picnic and country house leisure season, there comes a time for outbreaks of severe seasonal diseases, one of which is piroplasmosis. Every year, many four-legged pets succumb to this illness.

Canine piroplasmosis, also known as babesiosis, is a seasonal disease caused by protozoan blood parasites belonging to the Babesia genus. The vectors and intermediate hosts of these parasites are ticks. The initial tick attacks typically occur with the onset of warm weather, the emergence of vegetation, and rainfall.

The spring outbreak of the disease is usually widespread, with a significant number of dogs affected during this period. A second spike in the disease occurs in autumn, before temperatures drop. However, cases of piroplasmosis are registered throughout the year, and lately, it has been increasingly assuming epidemic proportions. Without treatment, the mortality rate among dogs can reach 98%. Purebred dogs and puppies tend to suffer from piroplasmosis more severely.

In this article, you will learn about the detection of piroplasmosis in Shar-Pei dogs admitted to the Baishev University veterinary clinic, the symptoms of piroplasmosis in dogs, the duration of the incubation period, how to treat this disease, as well as the main preventive measures based on the experience and feedback of veterinary specialists.