Ameliorative effects of alpha-lipoic acid and imidocarb dipropionate on clinico-haematological changes induced by experimental Babesia canis vogeli infection in dogs

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of imidocarb dipropionate and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on clinico-haematological parameters of dogs inoculated with Babesia canis vogeli. Twenty-one dogs were divided into uninfected untreated (n = 4), infected untreated (n = 6), infected and treated with imidocarb dipropionate (6 mg/kg subcutaneously) alone (n = 3), infected and treated with ALA (15 mg/kg orally) alone (n = 5), and infected and treated with both imidocarb dipropionate and ALA (n = 3). Molecularly identified Babesia canis vogeli was experimentally inoculated into the infected groups, and treatment commenced at day 12 post-inoculation (PI). Behavioural events and blood samples were obtained and analysed before inoculation, at days 11 PI, 8, 15, and 43 post-treatment (PT). Behavioural events including vocalisation, licking/grooming, and tail wagging decreased post-inoculation. Treatments with imidocarb and ALA alleviated the clinical manifestations of dry muzzle, ocular discharge, and splenomegaly. At days 15 and 43 PT, imidocarb + ALA recorded the highest packed cell volume (41.13 ± 2.96%; 47.40 ± 3.72%) and erythrocyte count (6.10 ± 0.44 × 1012/L; 6.99 ± 0.56 × 1012/L) compared to other infected groups. The haemoglobin concentration at day 15 PT (13.80 ± 0.91 g/dL) increased in the imidocarb + ALA group. Thrombocytopenia was recorded in all the infected groups at day 11 PI. In conclusion, co-administration of imidocarb with ALA acted synergistically and also ameliorated the clinico-haematological changes in experimental canine babesiosis, and the agent may be a promising and potent drug in the management of canine babesiosis.