Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances

Year: 2009
Volume: 8
Issue: 12
Page No. 2585 - 2589

Acute Babesiosis in Foals

Authors : K.M. Al-Saad

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical, haematological and some biochemical changes in natural infected foals with babesiosis. A total of 105 local foals breed 1-8 months old from both sexes were investigated, 90 local foals breed were naturally infected with Babesia equi and Babesia caballi, 15 clinically normal local foals breed served as control. The results indicated that the clinically infected foals showed signs of congested mucus membranes with petechial hemorrhages on the conjunctivae, labored or rapid respiration, unable to suck, loss of appetite, colicky sings, diarrhea and/or constipation, rough hair coat, paleness and/or icteric mucus membranes and lacrimation. However, some diseased foals were suffering from unable to rise, inco-ordination muscles tremors and hind limbs paralysis. Ticks were detected on different regions of the body. High body temperature, respiratory and heart rates were also recorded in addition increase capillary refilling time were also noticed. The statistical analysis appeared significant decrease in the TRBCs, HB and PCV, while a significant increase in MCV and ESR were encountered in infected foals. Macrocytic hypochromic type of anemia was registered and the percentage of parasitemia ranged between (8-33%). Statistically significant decrease were encountered in platelets count and fibrinogen and a statistically significant increase were encountered in clotting time, prothrombine time and activated partial thromboplastine time in diseased foals. The results also, indicated a significant increase in WBC as a result of significant increase in lymphocytes. The biochemical changes revealed significant decrease in total protein and calcium. Results of c-ELISA showed that (81.11%) and (18.88%) of diseased foals were positive for B. equi and B. caballi, respectively.

How to cite this article:

K.M. Al-Saad , 2009. Acute Babesiosis in Foals. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8: 2585-2589.

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