Babesia canis infection in a splenectomized dog.

The present report describes a fatal case of non-experimental babesiosis in a splenctomized 3-year-old fox terrier. A very intense parasitaemia including clusters of up to 16 Babesiae and a prominent haemophagocytic activity were the most relevant findings. A marked leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia and regenerative anaemia were observed. Despite prompt treatment with babesiacidal compounds the condition progressed to acute renal failure and resulted in the death of the animal 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.