User:Adereti/Canine Piroplasmosis

= Canine Piroplasmosis = Canine piroplasmosis encompasses diseases caused by protozoan organisms such as Babesia and Theileria which are transmitted by ticks of the Ixodidae family. Generally, most domestic animals are susceptible to piroplasmosis. Canine piroplasmosis however, refers specifically to the disease in dogs, relative to other closely related species. It is also worthy of note, that symptoms typically seen in infected hosts appear to be similar in the majority of cases. Anaemia, haemoglobinuria and jaundice are the predominant clinical signs seen in affected dogs suffering from the acute stage of piroplasmosis. In recent years, some researchers have referred to the haematozoan infection as canine babesiosis, even though Babesia is not the only causative agent of the disease. The intraerythrocytic pear-shaped piroplasms are of immense global economic importance and some species of Babesia (for instance B. microti) have been implicated in a form of the disease which can infect humans.

Signs and symptoms
Canines with piroplasmosis may or may not show obvious signs of the disease. In the latter case, the infection is said to be sub-clinical, and may not be detected early by human caretakers, but can be worsened by stressful conditions and concurrent illnesses. Incubation of the parasitizing species in the host could take anywhere from about 10 to 28 days. The initial or acute phase of the disease is often severe and could be indicated by fever, a lethargic disposition, icterus, anorexia, splenomegaly, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, and haemolytic anaemia. Chronically, signs and symptoms may include nephropathies, emaciation, pancreatitis, neurological signs such as convulsions and paralysis, as well as circulatory system dysfunction.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of canine piroplasmosis is crucial for early detection and treatment, as well as for preventing the spread of the disease to other dogs. There are several methods for diagnosing piroplasmosis, including clinical signs, history, blood smears, serology, and molecular testing. A thorough history can provide valuable information about potential exposure to ticks and travel history to endemic areas. It is also essential to rule out other diseases with similar clinical signs, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and other tick-borne diseases. Blood smears are a common and inexpensive method for diagnosing piroplasmosis. The parasites can be visualized in erythrocytes on Giemsa-stained blood smears. However, this method requires experienced personnel to distinguish Babesia and Theileria species from other erythrocytic parasites, such as microfilaria, Haemobartonella, and Ehrlichia species. Serological testing is another commonly used diagnostic tool for piroplasmosis. It detects antibodies against Babesia and Theileria species in the dog's serum. However, serology may not be useful for early diagnosis, as it may take up to three weeks after infection for antibodies to be detectable.

Molecular testing, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), is a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting Babesia and Theileria DNA in blood samples. PCR can identify the parasite species and distinguish between active infection and previous exposure. It is also useful for detecting low-level infections and monitoring treatment efficacy. The proper diagnosis of canine piroplasmosis requires a combination of clinical signs, history, and laboratory testing. Importantly like in any other infection, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for a successful outcome and preventing the spread of the disease to other dogs.

Epidemiology
Canine Piroplasmosis, also known as Babesiosis, is most prevalent in areas with warm, humid climates, where the tick vectors that transmit the disease are common. Dogs become infected with Piroplasmosis when they are bitten by ticks that are infected with the Babesia parasites. The parasites then multiply within the dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia, fever, and other clinical signs. Piroplasmosis is endemic in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In some regions, the disease is considered to be a major threat to canine health.

The incidence of Piroplasmosis varies depending on a number of factors, including the prevalence of tick vectors, the distribution of infected dogs, and the effectiveness of preventive measures such as tick control and vaccination. In areas where Piroplasmosis is endemic, the disease is often diagnosed based on clinical signs, such as fever, lethargy, anorexia, and anemia. Diagnosis can also be confirmed through laboratory tests, including blood smears and PCR testing.

Post Mortem Lesions
The gross lesions of canine piroplasmosis are typically seen in the spleen, liver, kidneys, and lymph nodes. In acute cases, the spleen may be enlarged and discolored, with areas of necrosis and hemorrhage. The liver may also have areas of necrosis and congestion, with the presence of multifocal or diffuse hepatitis. The kidneys may show evidence of tubular degeneration and necrosis, with the presence of hemoglobin inclusions. The lymph nodes may be enlarged, congested, and have areas of necrosis. The heart may show signs of myocarditis, with areas of necrosis and hemorrhage in the myocardium. The erythrocytes may also show evidence of hemolysis, with the presence of hemosiderin within the macrophages of the liver and spleen. Additionally, the liver may indicate evidence of cholestasis, with the presence of bile stasis and bile pigment within the hepatocytes. Microscopically, the lesions of canine piroplasmosis are characterized by the presence of Babesia organisms within the erythrocytes. These parasites can be seen as ring-shaped structures within the red blood cells, with the appearance of “Maltese crosses” when stained with Romanowsky-type stains

Prevention and Management
Prevention and management of piroplasmosis in dogs are crucial to reduce the incidence and severity of the disease. Prevention of canine piroplasmosis involves several measures, including tick control, vaccination, and testing. Tick control is the most effective measure to prevent piroplasmosis, as ticks are the primary vectors of the disease. Owners should regularly inspect their dogs for ticks and use appropriate tick control products such as tick collars, spot-on treatments, or oral medications. They should also avoid walking their dogs in tick-infested areas and remove any ticks found on their dogs promptly.

Vaccination against piroplasmosis is available in some countries and can help prevent the disease. The vaccine is not available in all countries, and its efficacy may vary depending on the strain of the parasite and the region. Therefore, owners should consult their veterinarians about the availability and efficacy of the vaccine in their area. Testing for piroplasmosis is also important for prevention. Dogs should be tested for the disease before travel, as some countries require a negative test result for entry. Additionally, testing can help detect asymptomatic carriers of the disease and prevent the spread of the parasite.

Management of canine piroplasmosis requires prompt diagnosis and treatment of infected dogs. Clinical signs of the disease include fever, anorexia, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, and hemolytic anemia. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, history, and laboratory tests such as blood smears, PCR, and serology. Treatment of piroplasmosis includes supportive care, such as fluid therapy, blood transfusions, and administration of specific anti-protozoal drugs such as Diminazine Aceturate, imidocarb dipropionate or atovaquone and azithromycin,  as well as other compounds. Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible to improve prognosis and reduce the risk of complications. Regular veterinary visits and consultations can help prevent and manage piroplasmosis in dogs.