Babesiosis in the Greyhound.

Babesiosis was diagnosed in five 11- to 18-day old Greyhound pups. In 3 pups, Babesia canis organisms were identified by examination of a Wright's-Giemsa-stained smear of blood. In 2 pups, the diagnosis was established by examination of a splenic impression smear obtained at necropsy. Findings in the 3 clinical cases included depression, weakness, anorexia, pallor, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Subcutaneous administration of diminazene aceturate resulted in rapid clinical recovery in these cases. In the 2 pups that were necropsied, variable numbers of erythrocytes containing Babesia organisms were observed in the microvasculature of tissues. Subinoculation of blood into an intact dog and a splenectomized dog resulted in parasitemia and B canis serum titers, as determined by indirect fluorescent antibody testing. A site visit to the kennel from which the pups had originated led to identification of numerous Rhipicephalus sanguineus in small buildings and pens. Of 107 dogs from this kennel that were tested, 63 had an indirect fluorescent antibody titer for B canis. A limited serologic survey of Greyhound kennels in West Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida identified a large number of dogs with indirect fluorescent antibody titers for B canis.