Biliary in Dogs

As you know, Karoo paralysis occurs in certain geographical areas in winter and may lead to serious losses . . .

Biliary and ticks

  • Biliary (or as is casually referred to as “tickbite fever”) is a disease that is caused by a parasite named Babesia canis rossi, or in short B. rossi.
  • B. rossi parasites are transmitted by the yellow dog tick.
  • Not all yellow dog ticks carry babesia parasites. The yellow dog tick becomes infected when taking a blood meal from a dog infected with biliary.

Signs of biliary

The first signs that are most commonly noticed by owners in dogs with biliary are lethargy and a loss of appetite. Other common signs that may also be noted by the owner include pale gums and inner eyelids.

Certain patients develop complicated biliary where several organs including the heart, kidneys, liver, stomach and intestines, brain and lungs are affected. These complications develop due to toxic substances called soluble parasite antigens (SPAs) that are released by the babesia parasites. These patients end up being hospitalised and require expensive intensive treatment. Approximately 10 to 12% of these admitted cases die and a further 2 to 3 % end up being euthanased.

How do vets diagnose biliary

Vets diagnose biliary by demonstrating the parasites on a bloodsmear evaluated under a microscope. The bloodsmear is made by using a drop of blood from the tip of the dog’s ear.

Treatment

Non-complicated biliary cases will usually recover with treatment with an anti-protozoal drug such as Berenil RTU (Reg No. G2702 Act 36/1947) or Forray 65 (Reg No. G1442 Act 36/1947).

Complicated biliary cases with multiple organ involvement will need hospitalisation with more intensive treatment such as blood transfusions, drips, cortisone treatment, tube feeding, oxygen supplementation, sedation etc.

The yellow dog tick

  • The yellow dog tick most commonly attach on the neck and shoulders of dogs.
  • However when there are large numbers of ticks, they may be found elsewhere on the dog’s body.
  • The yellow dog tick does however spend approximately 94 to 97% of their life off-host in the environment and this makes their control difficult.
  • The application of tick control products on the dog alone is therefore not sufficient in controlling the yellow dog tick.
  • An integrated control strategy is needed that involves tick control on the dog and tick control in the environment. Vaccination against biliary can also further aid in the control of biliary in dogs.

Prevention: Environmental control

  • Avoid tick habitats by:
    • Keeping grass and weeds cut short
    • Seal off cracks and crevices
    • Regular washing of bedding
    • Use products registered for tick control in kennels

Prevention: Tick control on the dog

There is a wide range of spot-on formulations, shampoos, dips, powders, sprays and impregnated collars available. It is important to note how often the product you choose needs to be repeated in order to provide effective tick control. Ask your veterinarian to assist you in choosing the best option for your pet.

Prevention: Vaccination

Vaccination as part of the integrated tick control strategy is also available. Ask your veterinarian more about Nobivac® Piro (Reg No. G3755 Act 36/1947, N-SR 1368).