In this study one spleen-intact dog (A) and two splenectomised dogs (BSE, CSE) were infected with Babesia canis. All animals developed an
acute disease characterised by
fever, haemoglobinuria and anaemia, the latter being more severe in the splenectomised dogs.
Fever and parasitised red blood cells were detected for three days after
imidocarb treatment in the splenectomised animals. Haematological abnormalities included regenerative anaemia,
thrombocytopenia and
leukopenia (due to
neutropenia and
lymphopenia) in the acute phase, soon followed by
leukocytosis, neutrophilia and left shift a few days later. Acute hepatopathy was detected in all dogs with elevated ALT activity, which was more seriously altered in the splenectomised dogs. Diffuse changes in liver structure and
hepatomegaly were seen by ultrasonography. Liver biopsy and histology revealed acute, non-purulent
hepatitis in the splenectomised dogs. Both splenectomised dogs were successfully cured after collection of 400 ml highly parasitised blood, proving that large-amount
antigen production is possible with rescuing the experimental animals. Whole
blood transfusion,
imidocarb and supportive care with infusions,
antipyretics,
glucocorticoids and
diuretics were applied. The spleen-intact dog clinically recovered after receiving supportive treatment, with no
imidocarb therapy. Microbial
infections developed in both splenectomised animals (BSE:
haemobartonellosis, CSE:
osteomyelitis caused by Escherichia coli), probably as a consequence of immunosuppression after
splenectomy and
glucocorticoid therapy.