A Clinical Report on Babesiosis as one of the Etiological Factors of Convulsions and Neurological Symptoms in Dogs and Cats in Tabriz With Emphasis on the Importance of Babesiosis in Public Health

Abstract

Introduction: Babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. It is transmitted by ticks and affects a wide range of domestic and wild animals and even humans. Case Presentation: In this study, during the last three and a half years (2017-2021), 18 cats and 8 dogs with Babesia infection have referred to one of the small animal clinics in Tabriz, Iran. Ten of these 18 cats presented with obvious neurological symptoms, of which 7 had severe ocular symptoms in addition to neurological symptoms. The remaining eight had anemia and ocular symptoms and no neurological symptoms. In addition to ocular symptoms, one of the cases showed jaundice and anemia. All cases were in a critical condition at the time of referral to the clinic; that is, they showed all the expected symptoms and were close to death. Conclusion: The aim of this article is to show Babesia as one of the etiological factors of convulsions and neurological symptoms in dogs and cats.