Hemostatic Abnormalities in Uncomplicated Babesiosis (Babesia rossi) in Dogs

Abstract

Background: Babesiosis in dogs is associated with severe thrombocytopenia; yet infected dogs rarely show clinical signs of hemorrhage. Hypothesis: Dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis have normal hemostatic capacity despite severe thrombocytopenia. Animals: Nineteen client-owned dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis; 10 healthy controls. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Thromboelastography (TEG), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, D-dimers, and antithrombin (AT) measured in both groups. Statistical significance set at P < .001). Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Despite severe thrombocytopenia, dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis did not have clinical signs of hemorrhage and TEG variables were normal, which could indicate a normocoagulable state. © 2012 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.