Babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoa (microscopic organisms) that invade your dog’s red blood cells. The protozoa trigger the cells to self-destruct, eventually causing anemia.

Your dog’s symptoms will include pale or yellow gums, weakness, fever, and orange or red urine. These symptoms are the result of the breakdown of your dog’s red blood cells. If the infection enters your dog’s nervous system, as sometimes happens, abnormalities can also result in this area.

Babesiosis is transmitted to your dog through a tick bite. However, an infected dog can spread the infection by biting another dog. Additionally, a female dog who is infected with babesiosis can spread the infection to her unborn puppies. Babesiosis, since it is a tick-borne disease, is often accompanied by other tick-borne infections such as Ehrlichiosis or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Greyhounds and American Staffordshire Terriers appear to be more at risk of developing babesiosis.

Your vet will evaluate a sample of your dog’s blood in order to look for the protozoa.

There is only one available medication, called Imidocarb, that is approved for the treatment of this condition. Treatment can be difficult, however, as the protozoa are sometimes very tough to entirely eradicate. If your dog is suffering from severe anemia, he may have to be hospitalized and given a blood transfusion.

Your dog should be on an appropriate tick-preventative medication. You should also check your dog’s daily for ticks, and remove any ticks you find as soon as possible. It takes 2 to 3 days for an attached tick to pass on this disease, so early removal is essential.

Your chances of getting babesiosis directly from your dog is minimal. Just like your dog, though, you may also become infected by a tick bite.