What is piroplasmosis? Is it dangerous and how to treat it? You will find out from the article.
What is piroplasmosis?
Piroplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Babesia. These parasites enter the dog’s body through tick bites. They begin to multiply in the blood and attack red blood cells, which leads to the development of anemia and other pathological processes in the animal’s body.
Piroplasmosis can also be transmitted through blood transfusion from an infected dog to a healthy animal. It is possible for dog puppies to become infected during pregnancy or through breastfeeding.
To accurately diagnose piroplasmosis, you need to contact a veterinarian who will examine the animal and take the necessary tests for research.
Timely contact with a veterinarian and proper treatment can save the life of your four-legged friend.
Symptoms of piroplasmosis
Symptoms of piroplasmosis in dogs can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, depending on the stage and severity of the disease. The main signs of piroplasmosis in dogs are:
– severe weakness and apathy;
– increased body temperature;
– pallor of the mucous membranes;
– loss of appetite and weight;
– yellowish tint to the skin and eyes;
– diarrhea and vomiting;
– decreased activity and depressed state;
– refusal to play and walk.
Treatment of piroplasmosis
Treatment of piroplasmosis in dogs should be comprehensive and prescribed only by a veterinarian. The main methods of treating piroplasmosis in dogs are:
– the use of antiparasitic drugs to kill parasites;
– symptomatic therapy to eliminate swelling and restore organ function;
– treatment of anemia and replenishment of lost blood volume;
– maintaining metabolism and immunity with the help of vitamins and minerals;
– use of antibiotics to prevent the development of secondary bacterial infections.
It is important to remember that prevention is the best way to combat the disease, so it is necessary to regularly examine your dog for ticks and use parasite repellents.
There are many medications available to help prevent tick bites and protect your pet from various diseases that ticks can transmit. Let’s look at several types of products, their effects, as well as their pros and cons.
Anti- ticks products
Ticks Drops
Tick drops are an effective and convenient means of protecting dogs from dangerous parasites.
Some of the most popular and effective drugs used to protect dogs from ticks are:
– “Frontline”. Its action is based on the active substance fipronil, which kills ticks and other parasites and prevents them from appearing on the dog for several weeks. The drug is easy to use, as it is applied to the dog’s skin once a month.
– Advantix. Its main component, imidacloprid, kills and repels ticks, fleas and other parasites. The drug also has a repellent effect, which prevents re-infection. However, you need to be careful when using this drug in dogs prone to allergic reactions.
– “Simparika”. Its action is based on sarolaner, which quickly kills ticks and fleas, providing long-term protection for your pet. Simparica has a pleasant odor and is well tolerated by animals, but its use may cause side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea.
It is important to note that you should consult your veterinarian before using any tick repellent. Only a specialist will be able to choose the optimal remedy and dosage, taking into account the individual characteristics of your pet.
Ticks collars
Special anti-tick collars are also a popular and convenient means of protecting dogs.
Some of the most common brands of tick collars include:
- The Foresto collar is highly effective and long-lasting (up to 8 months). However, it contains chemical ingredients that can cause negative reactions if you are hypersensitive to the components.
- The Kiltix collar, on the contrary, contains natural plant components and does not have a pronounced odor. However, its protective effect may be shorter than other brands.
Benefits of using tick collars:
1. ease of use;
2. long-term action;
3. safety.
Disadvantages to consider:
1. the likelihood of loss of effectiveness (for example, upon contact with water, the concentration of the active substance in the collar may decrease, which leads to a decrease in its protective effect);
2. possible allergic reactions.
Anti- ticks tablets
– “Bravecto”. This drug is effective for 12 weeks and protects the dog from ticks, fleas and other parasites. Some dogs may experience side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea. In addition, some owners believe that the cost of the drug is quite high.
– Nexgard. This medication is available in chewable tablet form and is effective for a month. Nexgard is effective against ticks and fleas, and is convenient to give to an animal. However, as with Bravecto, some dogs may not tolerate the drug very well.
– “Simparika”. Just like the drops of this brand, the action is based on sarolaner, it quickly kills ticks and fleas and provides long-term protection for your pet. Its use may cause side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Anti-tick sprays
Examples of popular anti-tick sprays for dogs: Frontline, Advantix, Beaphar and others. Each of them has its own characteristics, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian before use.
Benefits of tick sprays:
– ease of use;
– fast action;
– long-term action;
– Ease of use;
Flaws:
– ineffective in areas heavily overgrown with grass;
– the need for regular use;
– risk of allergic reactions;
– Possibility of contact with eyes or mouth.
Active ingredients in the preparations
Some of the most popular and effective anti-tick remedies are preparations based on fipronil . Drugs such as Frontline, Advantix. The action of fipronil is that it kills ticks and fleas by penetrating their nervous system. However, despite its effectiveness, some dogs may experience side effects such as skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Another popular method of protection against ticks is preparations based on ichthyolic acid . These products have an acidic pH, which creates an acidic environment on the surface of the skin and thereby repel mites. They can also be effective in controlling fleas. However, it is worth noting that they may cause skin irritation in some dogs and require careful adherence to the instructions for use.
Another option for protection against ticks is permethrin -based products . This broad-spectrum insecticide is used to treat dogs as well as their environment.
Important: Advantix, which contains permethrin, is not recommended for use in dogs that live in the same house as cats, as the drug is poisonous to cats.
Don’t forget about alternative methods of protection against ticks, such as natural repellers based on essential oils and regularly checking your pet’s fur after walking.
Conclusion
Pet owners should remember that tick bites protection is an important part of caring for your pet’s health. It is necessary to choose products for protection against ticks based on the individual characteristics of the pet, its state of health and its living conditions. It’s even better to consult your veterinarian. And it is also worth using only high-quality drugs from trusted manufacturers to provide reliable protection for your four-legged friend.
