Hematological parameters in dogs at the early stages of babesiosis in the Dnipro region of Ukraine

Canine babesiosis is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia, primarily transmitted by ixodid ticks. The disease is widespread globally, including across most regions of Ukraine. Babesia canis is the most prevalent species affecting dogs, with increasing clinical relevance in both domestic and wild carnivores. Infection leads to intravascular hemolysis, hypoxic tissue injury, and multi-organ dysfunction. Despite advances in diagnostics, early hematological changes in the initial stages of infection remain underexplored. This study aims to compare the hematological parameters of dogs in the early stage of babesiosis with healthy controls to identify reliable indicators for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. This study was conducted on 13 clinical cases of Babesia canis infection in dogs, with data collected directly from animals presented at the Peredovyi Veterinary Complex (Dnipro, Ukraine) between February and April 2024. Blood smears confirmed parasitemia, and complete blood counts were performed using the MicroCC-20 Plus automated analyzer. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in red blood cell count (3.59±0.37×106/μL) and hemoglobin (83.42±2.96 g/L) in infected dogs compared to controls (6.36±0.17×106/μL and 158.58±5.87 g/L, respectively). Hematocrit values were also markedly reduced (22.54±1.45% vs. 43.51±2.39%; P<0.0001). Significant thrombocytopenia (38.23±6.20×103/μL) and leukopenia (7.08±0.60×109/L) were observed, with a concurrent neutrophilic shift and lymphopenia. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly lower in the infected group (63.45±2.49 fL), while other red cell indices (MCHC, RDW) and total protein levels showed no statistically significant differences. These findings highlight the pronounced hematological disturbances associated with early-stage Babesia canis infection. The changes in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and platelet levels may serve as early diagnostic markers. Further research is needed to refine hematological profiling for improved clinical decision-making and timely intervention in canine babesiosis.