Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the hemoprotozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. Babesia canis and B. ajbsoni are responsible for canine babesiosis throughout the world. Babesia canis consists of a group of three different subspecies, namely B. c. canis, B. c. vogeli, and B. c. rossi. Babesia gibsoni is subdivided into 2 subspecies: the North American and Asian subspecies. Three other babesia species that can affect the dog are; (1) a small Babesia that is distantly related to B.gibsoni, but more closely related to B. microti, B. rodhaini, and Theileria equi; (2) a B. microti-like organism; and (3) B. conradae, which is a closely related piroplasm to isolates from wildlife and humans. Babesiosis primarily affects erythrocytes but can involve multiple organs and can range from a relatively mild to a fatal peracute disease. Canine babesiosis can be clinically classified as uncomplicated or complicated with uncomplicated babesiosis being further divided into mild, moderate, or severe disease, depending on the severity of anemia. Complicated babesiosis involves clinical manifestations that are unrelated to the hemolytic disease. Recently described complications of babesiosis are metabolic derangements and cardiac changes.
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