Has your dog dealt with piroplasmosis? This is the ideal recovery process.
You arrived on time, received therapy, and the parasite was removed from the system. However, recovery doesn’t end here. A consequence of piroplasmosis is (depending on the severity of the case) moderate to severe anemia.
Specifically, the Babesia parasite enters red blood cells and destroys each one. That’s why in advanced stages of the disease, very dark urine (breakdown and excretion of red blood cells) and pale mucous membranes (e.g., gums) are present.
Fewer red blood cells also mean a reduced capacity for the blood to carry oxygen. Therefore, after piroplasmosis, a dog may still be weak, tired, and listless for some time – even when the disease has been cured.
IN SHORT
What is Piroplasmosis?
Piroplasmosis (or babesiosis) is a disease caused by protozoan (single-celled) parasites of the genus Babesia, most commonly transmitted by the bite of an infected tick.
After entering the body, the parasite reaches the red blood cells (erythrocytes), where it multiplies and damages them, which can lead to their accelerated breakdown (hemolysis) and the development of anemia. At the same time, immunological mechanisms are activated in the body to remove infected and damaged red blood cells. Consequences can include reduced oxygen supply to tissues, weakness, fever, dark urine, and strain on organs involved in blood cell breakdown. If you accidentally find a tick on your dog, pay close attention to the dog’s condition and behavior, as the incubation period (time from parasite entry to the first symptom of the disease) can be up to 3 weeks. Typical symptoms include:
- Refusal of food (some animals love food and sometimes they don’t refuse it)
- Increased fatigue, the dog sleeps much more, moves slower
- Different behavioral habits (no longer sniffing on walks, less interested in the surroundings)
- Darker urine – an advanced stage of infection where broken-down red blood cells are expelled through the urine
At any suspicion, urgently go to the vet; a blood smear can show the presence of the disease. Treatment is a single injection that destroys the parasite. Short-term side effects include nausea, drooling, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea. The next 24-48 hours are critical; the dog needs a lot of rest and should start eating. Intravenous fluids can help with recovery if the dog refuses food. It is crucial to go to the vet on time, and the chances of recovery are excellent. Don’t be afraid to get a blood test just in case. Don’t wait for the dog to go two days without eating.
Once you have successfully administered the medication on time, the active infection is stopped, but the body needs a certain amount of time after piroplasmosis to produce the lost red blood cells again. This depends on the animal’s age and its general condition.
What happens after the treatment?
The body naturally begins to produce new red blood cells in the bone marrow. The spleen also plays an important role in recovery, as it removes old and damaged red blood cells and participates in the body’s immune response.
However, to maximize potential and facilitate the body’s recovery, my recommendations are following:
01
Nutrition
Food rich in quality proteins, red meat (beef, turkey – drumstick, salmon for omega-3 and quality fats, eggs) – add extra red meat alongside kibble or wet food
Supplementation – Anima Strath 60 minerals and vitamins in natural syrup
02
Energy Healing Treatment
Minimum 3-day cycle, we work on:
Bone marrow – energetics, strengthening production capacity
Spleen energetics (parasites can sometimes remain and ‘sleep’ here) because the spleen is to some extent a reservoir of red blood cells; we strengthen its energetics for better spleen function
03
Physical activity
Carefully assess the dynamics and duration of walks – the dog should be exposed to sunlight daily. The sun gives deep infrared light rays that metabolically support the body (HubermanLab published a study, I have a separate post about it on Instagram, look it up)
+ gently pushing the body into soft walk increasing the pace, to stimulate circulation, but not too much to avoid a counter-effect
+ you can determine the duration for the next day based on how tired the dog is after the walk; increase by 15-30 minutes if the dog is rested
