Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne protozoal disease, affecting dogs worldwide. According to previous studies, B. canis is considered as the main species involved in canine babesiosis, but in recent years more studies show the existence of Babesia gibsoni infected dogs both in Europe and Romania. B. gibsoni infection in dogs is mainly described in American Pit Bull Terriers, although the significance of this breed predisposition is not yet fully understood; however, the possibility of both blood-to-blood transfer and transplacental infection has been considered as a possible modality of host contamination. A 3-year-old female, American Staffordshire Terrier was referred to our clinic, previously diagnosed with Babesia canis infection and treated with one dose of imidocarb dipropionate three days prior. The dog presented with fever, pale mucous membranes and hemoglobinuria. Complete blood count revealed severe anemia (HCT 13%, Hg 4 g/dl, RBC 1,56x10¹²/l), thrombocytopenia (PLT 32x10⁹/l) and mild leukocytosis with neutrophilia. Coombs test (Alvedia) and rapid test for Dirofilaria immitis antigen, Ehrlichia canis antigen, Borrelia burgdorferi antigen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys antibody (Rapid CaniV-4 Test Kit, BioNote) showed negative results. Giemsa-stained blood films were positive for small (1–2.7 µm) pleomorphic inclusions. Babesia spp. DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay; further molecular characterization of the sample showed the involvement of Babesia gibsoni (Macrogen Europe, Amsterdam). Following molecular identification of Babesia gibsoni, combination therapy was initiated with clindamycin (25 mg/kg PO BID), doxycycline (15 mg/kg PO BID), and metronidazole (5 mg/kg PO BID). Fourteen days after therapy, Hb, HCT, RBC and PLT values increased, but the blood sample tested positive for B. gibsoni by PCR. Therapy was ceased after 6 weeks, when HCT reached 40% and PCR showed complete B. gibsoni infection sterilization of the patient. Blood samples tested 3 and 6 months after the initiation of the treatment remained negative for B. gibsoni. Since the female was 5 weeks postpartum at the time babesiosis diagnosis was established, four samples from two different litter pups were tested and found negative for B. gibsoni, although transplacental transmission is possible in B. gibsoni infection. Accurate diagnosis is important in dogs presenting with hemolytic anemia, because B. gibsoni is resistant to traditional anti-Babesia therapy, but combination therapies may be efficient in order to reduce and eliminate parasitemia.

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