Fatal Babesia gibsoni infection complicated by severe acute kidney injury and uremic syndrome in a Labrador retriever: A case report

Abstract

A six-year-old male Labrador Retriever was presented with dullness, depression, anorexia for two weeks, pale mucous membranes, and persistent vomiting even after water intake. Hematological examination revealed profound anemia (Hb 2.8 g/dL, TEC 0.98 × 10⁶/µL, PCV 13%), thrombocytopenia (45,000/µL), and leukocytosis (24,700/µL) with neutrophilia. Serum biochemistry showed severe azotemia (BUN 190 mg/dL; creatinine 15.21 mg/dL), mild elevations of ALT and AST, and hyperbilirubinemia. Giemsa-stained blood smears demonstrated small intraerythrocytic piroplasms morphologically consistent with Babesia gibsoni. Despite supportive therapy, the animal died due to progressive multisystemic deterioration. This case highlights the potential for B. gibsoni infection to progress beyond uncomplicated hemolytic anemia to severe renal failure and uremic syndrome with a fatal outcome.