Journal for Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology and Biosafety
Volume
11, Issue 4, November 2025, Pages 12–17
ISSN 2411-3174 (print version) ISSN 2411-0388
(online version)
EFFECT
OF COMBINED THERAPY WITH IMIDOCARB AND PREDNISOLONE ON HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
IN DOGS INFECTED WITH BABESIA CANIS
Nevidnyk-Pravda А. Yu.,
Ushakova H. O.
Oles Honchar Dnipro
National University, Dnipro, Ukraine, e-mail: aaasssaaa079@gmail.com
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PDF (print version)
Citation for print version: Nevidnyk-Pravda, А. Yu.
and Ushakova, H. O. (2025) ‘Effect of combined therapy with imidocarb and prednisolone on
hematological parameters in dogs infected with Babesia canis’,
Journal for Veterinary Medicine,
Biotechnology and Biosafety, 11(4), pp. 12–17.
Download
PDF (online version)
Citation for online version: Nevidnyk-Pravda, А. Yu.
and Ushakova, H. O. (2025) ‘Effect of combined therapy with imidocarb and prednisolone on
hematological parameters in dogs infected with Babesia canis’,
Journal for Veterinary Medicine,
Biotechnology and Biosafety, 11(4), pp. 12–17. DOI: 10.36016/JVMBBS-2025-11-4-2.
Summary.
Babesia canis infection is a
significant tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease in dogs, often causing hemolytic
anemia and alterations in hematological parameters. This study aimed to
evaluate the effect of combined therapy with imidocarb and prednisolone on
hematological indices in naturally infected dogs. Thirteen dogs showing initial
clinical signs of B. canis infection were included in the study.
Infection was confirmed via microscopic examination of blood smears.
Hematological parameters, including erythrocyte count, hemoglobin
concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular
hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW), leukocyte
and platelet counts, and total protein, were measured before and after therapy.
Treatment consisted of a single simultaneous administration of imidocarb
(7 mg/kg) and prednisolone (2.2 mg/kg) within the first 24 hours
after diagnosis. Following therapy, significant improvements were observed in
red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, platelet count, and
leukocyte distribution, indicating partial restoration of erythrocyte mass and
enhancement of inflammatory and regenerative responses. MCHC, RDW, and total
protein showed minimal changes, but overall trends suggest effective
alleviation of hemolytic anemia and stabilization of hematological status. The
findings support the use of combined imidocarb and prednisolone therapy as an
effective early intervention for dogs naturally infected with B. canis
Keywords: hemolytic anemia,
tick-borne infections, blood
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