Background

Canine babesiosis is the most common tick-borne disease in Taiwan.

Aims

The aims of this study were to report efficacy of treatment for canine babesiosis.

Methods

Medical records of canine babesiosis from 2005 to 2006 were reviewed. The diagnosis of canine babesiosis was based on history of tick infestation, presence of anemia, and identification of Babesia gibsoni in the blood smears.

Results

Babesiosis was diagnosed in 40 cases. The age of these dogs ranged from 9 months to 14 years with mean age of 5.3 year old. Maltese was the most common breed and accounted for 25% of all cases. The ratio of male to female was 3:1 in this study. Most cases revealed macrocytic anemia (50%). Twenty-nine dogs received combination of Diminazene aceturate and doxycycline. The average of recovery time in this group was 3.9 weeks. Eleven dogs received combination of doxycycline, metronidazole and enrofloxacin, with the average of recovery time of 3.25 weeks. There was no significant difference in the recovery time between these two groups (p = 0.59).

Conclusion

This study suggested that efficacy of two combinations in treating canine babesiosis (Babesia gibsoni) was similar.