The effect of transfusion of erythrocyte mass on clinical and haematological indicators of dogs with hemolytic anaemia caused by babesiosis

Abstract

The relevance of the research is due to the spread of protozoal diseases of animals, which, in the absence of the necessary veterinary care, lead to death. In this regard, the aim of the study was to investigate changes in clinical and haematological parameters in dogs under complex treatment of babesiosis with simultaneous red blood cell transfusion. Transfusions were performed in five animals infected with Babesia canis by intravenous injection of red blood cells, the volume of which was calculated using the Sackmen formula. The diagnosis of babesiosis was made based on anamnesis, clinical symptoms (weakness, refusal to food, pallor of visible mucous membranes, fever up to 40°C), and confirmed by microscopic detection of babesiae in blood smears. Before transfusion, rapid tests were performed to exclude heartworm disease in donor dogs. The compatibility of the blood of the donor and recipient animal was determined using a large cross-test. The condition of the abdominal organs of the patients was assessed using ultrasound diagnostics. Clinical examination of the dogs’ blood before treatment indicated the development of anaemia. The results of biochemical blood tests indicated an increase in the activity of alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, which indicates a load on the hepatobiliary system. There were no contraindications to blood transfusion. After haemotransfusion, the clinical condition of the dogs was monitored based on the results of the examination of the animals, taking into account the anamnesis and haematological studies on the second, fifth, and tenth days of treatment. During the second and fifth days, a gradual increase in blood haemoglobin content and haematocrit value was noted. On the tenth day, there was a significant positive trend in the number of red blood cells, haemoglobin content and haematocrit to the reference values. It was established that the use of red blood cell transfusion in dogs with babesiosis as part of therapy contributed to the fastest recovery of the general condition of the animal. The material of the article is of practical value for the use of red blood cell transfusion in the treatment of dogs with babesiosis