author(s)
Dr. B Sai Sindhu, Dr. B Shobhamani, Dr. K Suresh and Dr. V Chengalva Rayulu

abstract
Canine babesiosis is a worldwide tick borne disease caused by Babesia species. Dogs with fever, inappetance, lymphnode enlargement, tick infestation were screened for the haemoprotozoan diseases during the period under study at College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati. The dogs were subjected for routine clinical laboratory evaluation including peripheral blood smear examination and PCR. Out of 235 samples examined 23 samples were found positive for Babesia species. Clinical examination revealed anorexia, pyrexia, lymphadenopathy, weakness, lethargy, pale conjunctival/buccal mucus membranes, change in urine colour, petechial haemorrhages, congested mucus membranes, vomiting and icterus. Laboratory examination of the clinical samples revealed reduction in Haemoglobin, PCV, TEC and platelets when compared to the healthy control. There was significant elevation of ALT, ALP, BUN and creatinine along with significant decrease in the albumin and glucose levels in the affected dogs. The colour of the urine was red brown, yellowish orange and yellow in affected dogs while the urinalysis revealed increase in pH and specific gravity of urine, proteinuria and bilirubinuria. Electrocardiographic findings revealed significant increase in T wave amplitude. However, reduced “R” wave amplitude, arrhythmia, ventricular premature complex (VPC), tachycardia, deep Q and T waves and ST coving were recorded in individual dogs affected with babesiosis. Haemato-biochemical observations were indicative of severity of babesiosis in dogs.