Vol. 11, Special Issue 9 (2022)

Author(s):
S Sivajothi, B Sudhakara Reddy, LSS Varaprasad Reddy and BR Naik

Abstract:
The present study was carried out to record the clinical, hematological, biochemical, and electrocardiographic changes during the naturally occurring babesiosis in sheep. Out of 131 sheep in a flock, 18 adult sheep were identified as suffering from clinical babesiosis. Confirmation of the Babesia organisms was done by microscopic examination of the stained peripheral blood smears. Affected sheep showed anorexia, suspended rumination, prolonged capillary refill time, blanched mucus membranes, fever, tachycardia, and hemoglobinuria. Hematology revealed reduced hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell count, and increased total leukocyte count. Elevated levels of serum total proteins, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and lower levels of albumin were noticed. Electrocardiography abnormalities were reduced P wave amplitude and QRS voltage, prolonged PR, and QT interval. Recorded arrhythmias were sinus tachycardia, low voltage QRS complex, ST depression, atrial fibrillation, sinus arrest, and ventricular tachycardia. All the affected sheep were treated with diminazene aceturate, hematinic along with electrolyte therapy. The present study supports the renal damage during clinical babesiosis and also the development of cardiac changes in naturally occurring babesiosis in sheep.