Comparison of effects of uncomplicated canine babesiosis and canine normovolaemic anaemia on abdominal splanchnic Doppler characteristics - a preliminary investigation

L.M Koma,P.J Becker,P Bland Van Den Berg,L.S Jacobson,R.M Kirberger,A.L Leisewitz

doi:10.4102/jsava.v76i3.415

Abstract

A preliminary study was conducted to compare uncomplicated canine babesiosis (CB) and experimentally induced normovolaemic anaemia (EA) using Doppler ultrasonography of abdominal splanchnic vessels. Fourteen dogs with uncomplicated CB were investigated together with 11 healthy Beagles during severe EA, moderate EA and the physiological state as a control group. Canine babesiosis was compared with severe EA, moderate EA and the physiological state using Doppler variables of the abdominal aorta, cranial mesenteric artery (CMA), coeliac, left renal and interlobar, and hilar splenic arteries, and the main portal vein. Patterns of haemodynamic changes during CB and EA were broadly similar and were characterised by elevations in velocities and reductions in resistance indices in all vessels except the renal arteries when compared with the physiological state. Aortic and CMA peak systolic velocities and CMA end diastolic and time-averaged mean velocities in CB were significantly lower (P < 0.023) than those in severe EA. Patterns of renal haemodynamic changes during CB and EA were similar. However, the renal patterns differed from those of aortic and gastrointestinal arteries, having elevations in vascular resistance indices, a reduction in end diastolic velocity and unchanged time-averaged mean velocity. The left renal artery resistive index in CB was significantly higher (P < 0.025) than those in EA and the physiological state. Renal interlobar artery resistive and pulsatility indices in CB were significantly higher (P < 0.016) than those of moderate EA and the physiological state. The similar haemodynamic patterns in CB and EA are attributable to anaemia, while significant differences may additionally be attributed to pathophysiological factors peculiar to CB.

Highlights

The virulent canine haemoprotozoan parasite, Babesia canis rossi, is widespread in South Africa[29]
We hypothesised that there would be a significant increase in abdominal splanchnic haemodynamics during experimentally induced normovolaemic anaemia (EA) compared with the physiological state, and haemodynamic differences between uncomplicated Canine babesiosis (CB) and EA or the physiological state
In uncomplicated CB, we anticipated mild or no hypovolaemia, hypotension or hyperviscosity – pathophysiological changes that may be seen in the complicated disease

Summary

Introduction

The virulent canine haemoprotozoan parasite, Babesia canis rossi, is widespread in South Africa[29]. It has long been recognised that the disease caused by this parasite can involve multiple organs or systems and result in a wide variety of clinical manifestations[27,28]. Canine babesiosis (CB) manifests as fever, anorexia aDepartment of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa. COnderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa. Atypical forms of CB may manifest as chronic disease; may involve the blood; one or several organs such as the spleen, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, or body systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and musculoskeletal[3,28]. Parasites may be difficult to demonstrate in peripheral blood smears from atypical forms of the disease[28]. Despite years of dedicated research, disease mechanisms leading to multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome remain subjects of investigation[5,17,18,35,39]

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