Generalized Alopecia with Vasculitis-Like Changes in a Dog with Babesiosis

    January 2013 in “ Journal of Veterinary Medical Science ”
    Yumi Tasaki, Naoki Miura, Keita Iyori, Koji Nishifuji, Yasuyuki Endo, Yasuyuki Momoi
    TLDR The dog's skin and anemia issues returned after stopping treatment for Babesia gibsoni.
    A 12-year-old female Satsuma dog with generalized alopecia and progressive anemia was diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni infection. Initial treatment with antibiotics and prednisolone was ineffective, but antiprotozoal therapy led to temporary improvement. Histopathology suggested early leukocytoclastic vasculitis or ischemic vasculopathy. Symptoms relapsed after stopping treatment, indicating a strong link between skin lesions and babesiosis. This case emphasized the importance of considering chronic babesiosis in differential diagnoses of cutaneous vasculitis in endemic regions.
    Discuss this study in the Community →