Since first dealing with this infection in one of my own dogs in roughly 2002 I've educated myself on the signs, symptoms and treatments so that I am prepared should I have a dog become sick.

While I don't have the same knee-jerk reaction now as I did then, some do and even more have no clue what it is. Folks it is here to stay and your dogs aren't the only ones that can be infected. That's right you yourself can be or can become infected. There are as many as 300,000 humans infected with Babesia each year, usually as a co-infection second to Lyme disease. That being said I find it frustrating the mindset of so many dog folks who haven't armed themselves with rock solid information on how to treat Babesia in their dogs. Jack has written an excellent article on this database and if you haven't read it yet you are certainly in the dark!

For those of you who think all dogs who are Babesia positive should be put down really need to reexamine your thoughts on the matter. Should your husband, wife, child or parents be put down if you find they have become infected? No! Just like with the dogs we ourselves can be infected and never show a sign one, or we can become quite ill. Research had been done to support every single red blooded species on this planet actually has babesial parasites. That puts a whole new perspective on the subject doesn't it? I believe a lot is to be said of an individual's immune system when it comes to getting sick. With our breed selection and breeding practices the immune system can be compromised greatly. And while I don't think there are any proven ways to strengthen an individual's immune system it is important that you maintain the healthy-ist animals you possibly can so that the risks can be reduced.

S_B