Canine Babesia canis is a protozoan parasite that causes canine babesiosis, a tick-borne disease affecting dogs worldwide. Belonging to the Apicomplexa phylum, it is primarily transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). The parasite invades and replicates within red blood cells, leading to their destruction and subsequent anemia. Dogs of all ages are susceptible, with unvaccinated or tick-exposed individuals at higher risk. Infected ticks transmit the parasite when feeding, and the disease can also spread through blood transfusions or direct contact with infected blood.
Clinical Signs
Acute Phase: Fever, lethargy, pale mucous membranes (due to anemia), weakness, and decreased appetite. Severe Cases: Hemoglobinuria (reddish-brown urine from broken red blood cells), jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), rapid breathing, enlarged spleen or liver, and in critical instances, organ failure or shock.
Canivet Babesia canis Ab Test
The Canivet Babesia canis Ab Test is a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay designed for detection of Babesia canis antibodies (BC Ab) in canine serum, plasma, or whole blood.