Studies on feline babesiosis. 2. Clinical observations.

Clinical observations were made on 20 experimentally infected and 70 clinical cases of feline babesiosis. The experimental cats showed a remarkable ability to adapt to the disease. Lethargy, anorexia and anaemia were recorded in both groups. Icterus was only occasionally seen. Elevated body temperature was not a feature of the disease. All untreated animals eventually died. Blood smears revealed increased polychromatophils, Howell-Jolly bodies, nucleated erythrocytes and anisocytosis indicative of a regenerative anaemia. Erythrophagocytosis by monocytic type leucocytes was also observed.