HEMATOLOGIC CHANGES IN DOGS NATURALLY INFECTED WITH BABESIA

Canine babesiosis caused by tick-borne organisms of the genus Babesia, is one of the most significant disease worldwide. The aims of this study were to determine the hematological changes in six dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis. The hematological evaluation included Hemoglobin (Hb), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Platelet, Packet Cell Volume (PCV), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and Reticulocyte counts. They were estimated using an autonomic hematologic analyzer. The animal had hypocytic hypochromic anemia and 20% of the cases had a packed cell volume (PCV) less of 24%. All the animal had thrombocytopenia and platelets counts was lower than 50x103 cell/ ?l The results of this study show that Babesia infection in dogs caused anemia and thrombocytopenia.