Treatment evaluation using ultrasonographic scanning of the spleen in Arabian horses affected by babesiosis.

BACKGROUND

Equine babesiosis is a widespread protozoan disease in Saudi Arabia. The most common finding of clinical babesiosis is splenomegaly, which can be detected using non-invasive splenic ultrasonography.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate changes in the spleen size in horses infected with babesiosis using ultrasonography before and after treatment.

METHODS

This study employed 15 male and female Arabian horses. Each animal was examined clinically for clinical signs, and blood samples were collected in plain tubes to detect antibodies against Babesia caballi. The spleens of healthy and affected horses were examined by ultrasound using a B-mode scan with a 3.5 MHz convex probe. Horses infected with babesiosis based on clinical and competitive, enzyme-linked, immunosorbent assay analysis were treated with imidocarb dipropionate, and the spleen ultrasound examination was repeated 2 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

Using ultrasonography, the diseased horses showed an increase in spleen measurements compared with the healthy horses before treatment. Splenomegaly in infected horses was reduced 14 days after treatment according to ultrasound measurements.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonographic scanning of the spleen could be practically applied as a supportive method for the diagnosis and follow-up of babesiosis treatment in horses.