A 12-year-old dog had anaemia and thrombocytopenia - Babesia canis
Channel: Dr David Sing
Date: 2016-05-21

TOA PAYOH VETS

Peripheral blood smear of a 12-year-old poodle to check for Babesia.

Dog 1. Maximus - 12-year-old poodle with anaemia and low platelets. The first vet did not find any Babesia at that time and the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for Babesia was negative. The owner came to Toa Payoh Vets for a 2nd opinion and the timing was right as the peripheral blood smear showed Babesia canis. The dog got an Imizol injection and as at 4 days post injection, the dog was eating and normal. 

The presence of Babesia canis in blood smear confirms tick fever but it is not always possible to find them anytime