Multiple complications in a dog infected with Babesia gibsoni

Complexities in the diagnosis and management of Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs are discussed in this case report. A dog presented with an acute onset of anorexia, weakness, severe anaemia and thrombocytopenia. An initial improvement was observed after treatment with atovaquone and azithromycin. The dog developed complications including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and a bicavitary effusion. Blood and plasma transfusions were required to stabilize the severe anaemia and coagulopathy. An additional novel antiprotozoal therapy resulted in a complete recovery and clearance of B. gibsoni DNA as detected by a PCR test. This report describes a range of complications that to our knowledge have not previously been reported in dogs infected with B. gibsoni.