Summary
Equine
babesiosis is a tick-borne haematological disease of equidae that
can affect acutely, subacutely and chronically. The disease is manifested
by intermittent fever, anaemia, icterus and haemoglobinuria. The
authors describe the clinical, haematological and therapeutic aspects
of babesiosis in equines at two units in Kotley and at two units
in Jehlum of the Remount Veterinary and Farms Corps (RVFC). Animals
on these units showed the signs of illness. On clinical examination,
intermittent temperature, increased respiratory rate, anaemia, lacrimation,
conjunctivitis and pale mucous membranes were observed. Haematological
examination revealed a decrease in red blood cell count and haemoglobin
concentration, accompanied by an increase in total white blood cell
count. Cases of babesiosis in horses were successfully treated with
imidocarb dipropionate at a dose rate of 4 mg/kg body weight, administered
intramuscularly four times at 72 h intervals, together with supportive
therapy.
Keywords
Babesia,
Babesiosis, Equine, Haematological examination, Horse, Imidocarb
dipropionate, Pakistan, Red blood cell, White blood cell. |