Therapeutic implications of Babesia canis infection in dogs.

The therapeutic regime used in the treatment of dogs with Babesia canis infection differed between dogs with mild (uncomplicated) and severe (complicated) disease. In addition to the treatment given to dogs with mild disease, the dogs with severe disease received intravenous fluids, heparin and blood transfusion together with other supportive measures. Mortalities occurred only in the group with severe disease and were attributed to disseminated intravascular coagulation.