CLINICAL MANAGEMENT AND HAEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN BABESIOSIS IN BUFFALOES

Babesiosis in four graded Murrah she buffaloes aged between 6-8 years with symptoms of haemoglobinuria, anorexia, suspended rumination, reduced milk yield, depression and reluctance to move was studied. The clinical examination revealed elevated temperature ranging from 102.5 degrees F to 104.2 degrees F, accelerated heart rate and respiration and icteric mucus membranes with mild to moderate tick infestation. Haematological studies revealed reduced Hb, PCV and TEC. Serum chemistry revealed hyperglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, BUN, AST and hypoprotienemia. Urine was coffee coloured and positive for haemoglobin, glucose and bile pigments. All the affected animals were treated with Diminazine aceturate along with supportive therapy, except for one animal which succumbed to illness, all the animals became afebrile by 24 h. The colour of urine became normal only after 3 days, while milk production was restored to its normal level by 3 weeks.