A case report of co-infection of Distemper and Babesia.canis protozoa in a puppy of Urmia city

In mid-July of this year, a ۴۵-day-old female Shih Tzu–Terrier mixed-breed puppy was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Urmia University. The animal was in lateral recumbency with markedly depressed consciousness. On initial examination, hypothermia (below ۳۷ °C), dehydration, hypovolemia, cachexia, pale mucous membranes, tachycardia, and a weak pulse were observed, all of which were consistent with hypovolemic shock. Further evaluation revealed respiratory abnormalities as well as neurological signs, including seizures. Venous blood sampling followed by measurement of hematocrit, total protein, and CBC revealed severe anemia (TP = ۲.۱ g/dl; HCT = ۶%) and lymphopenia. Three blood smears were prepared, and light-microscopy examination confirmed the presence of Babesia spp. For more precise species identification, the frozen whole-blood sample was submitted to the laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz University, where real-time PCR confirmed infection with B.canis. Additionally, using an ELISA-based diagnostic kit, canine Distemper virus infection was detected and confirmed. For emergency stabilization, oxygen therapy and whole-blood transfusion were administered, and diazepam, enrofloxacin, clindamycin, and ampicillin were used as supportive and antimicrobial treatments. Despite medical intervention, the puppy died one day after admission. Conclusion: This case confirms concurrent infection with canine Distemper virus and B.canis in a young puppy, resulting in severe clinical deterioration and death

کلیدواژه ها:

ELISA ، puppy ، Babesia.canis ، Distemper