Abstract:
This thesis presents a broad survey of all important
aspects of Babesia canis infection in dogs. In view of its
diverse symptomatology the disease has been comprehensively
investigated with particular emphasis on the effects of the
infection on the liver, the kidneys and the haematology
since these have been found to have a important influence
on clinical events and on the type of supportive treatment
to be instituted.
For experimental material major use was made of a
large number field cases presented for diagnosis and treatment
at the Outpatient Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Science
at Onderstepoort. These were clinically assessed as belonging
to one or other of three categories of severity and suitable
specimens collected for laboratory evaluation. In a few
instances dogs were artificially infected to clarify
certain points but were on account of the artificiality of
conditions not regarded as the best clinical material.
It was found that infected dogs could die from various
causes: medical shock in peracute cases (particularly young
dogs), liver failure, kidney failure, heart failure and
occasionally pulmonary failure. Different combinations of
these could be operative, and they could play an important
part in morbidity and mortality even after elimination of
parasites by appropriate specific chemotherapy.
The better understanding thus gained is designed to serve as a guide to what clinico-pathological
examinations are required and thence to life-saving
supportive treatment.
