Dog diagnosed with Babesiosis, anemia worsened 4 days after starting treatment

Hello there,

I’m sorry to hear about your pup’s struggles with Babesiosis. This illness, caused by tiny parasites that invade red blood cells, can be quite serious, especially as it leads to anemia, which seems to be a concern for your dog right now. Sometimes, initial treatments might not stop the anemia from temporarily worsening because the parasites cause ongoing damage until medication takes full effect.

In some cases, this can happen if the medication needs more time to fully address the infection, or if there's an issue with how the medication was absorbed. Also, stress on your dog’s body can sometimes exacerbate anemia initially.

At home, ensure your dog gets plenty of rest and has a quiet space to relax. Encourage them to drink water and offer easy-to-eat, high-quality foods. You might also try offering some foods rich in iron, like cooked meats, which can help support red blood cell production, but only if they're already part of their diet.

Keep an eye out for any signs of severe weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, or dark urine, which could indicate a more urgent issue. If you spot any of these signs or if your dog doesn’t start improving soon, it’s important to seek further help.

For the most tailored advice, consider booking a video consult with us at Dial A Vet. We’re here to provide the support and guidance your pup needs to feel better soon!