RT-PCR / Molecular Tests Dog

Babesia Canis RT-PCR

Babesia canis RT-PCR checks a dog's blood for the DNA of this tick-borne parasite of red blood cells, to help show if it is behind the dog's fever, anaemia or dark urine.

Sample: Whole blood
Quantity: 3 mL
Report: Confirmed when you book
Collection: Free in Bhopal

What this test checks

DNA of Babesia canis in the dog's blood
Presence of this one species, so it can be told apart from Babesia gibsoni
Parasite DNA even when the number of parasites is low
Hidden infection in a dog with no clear signs

Benefits of this test

Names the Babesia species, which a smear cannot always do.
Can find small numbers of parasites that a blood smear may miss.
Gives a simple answer when Babesia canis is the suspected cause.
Can be repeated later if the vet wants to follow the infection.
Needs only a small blood sample taken at one visit.

When your vet may advise it

A dog has fever, tiredness and pale or yellowish gums after exposure to ticks.
A dog passes dark red, brown or coffee-coloured urine.
A blood smear shows Babesia-like parasites and the vet wants to name the species.
A dog has anaemia and low platelets without a clear cause.
A dog that lives with many ticks suddenly becomes weak or stops eating.
A donor dog is being screened before it gives blood.

About this test

Babesia canis is a tick-borne parasite that infects a dog's red blood cells. It is a large type of Babesia, while Babesia gibsoni is a small type. The infection can cause fever, weakness, pale or yellow gums and dark urine, because the red blood cells are damaged.

This is the PCR form of the test, not a rapid kit or an antibody test. PCR finds a germ's DNA, its genetic material, by copying it many times, so even a small number of parasites can be detected. It is specific to Babesia canis and does not look for Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia or Anaplasma, which are covered by other tests.

Vets use it to name the Babesia species, to screen a donor dog, or when a blood smear is unclear. The illness can range from mild to serious, so the vet reads the result with the dog's signs. Reporting time is confirmed when you book.

How to prepare

There is no need to fast the dog. Tell the vet or the lab if any tick-fever medicine has already been given, because it can affect the result, and follow your vet's advice. Keep the whole blood sample cool and bring it to the lab soon; free sample collection is available anywhere in Bhopal, and from outside Bhopal the sample can be sent by courier, bus parcel or through your local vet.

Reading the result

The report says whether Babesia canis DNA was found. Your registered veterinarian compares it with the dog's signs, blood counts and history, and may add other tests if the result does not match the signs.

Questions about Babesia Canis RT-PCR

What is the difference between Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni?

Both are tick-borne parasites that infect red blood cells. Babesia canis is a larger type and Babesia gibsoni is a smaller type. They are different germs with their own PCR tests, and your vet may choose one or both.

Is the Babesia canis PCR enough to rule out tick fever in my dog?

Not always. It checks only for Babesia canis. Dogs can also get Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis or Anaplasma from ticks, and the signs look alike. If the vet suspects more than one, a tick fever panel may suit better.

Why does a dog with Babesia pass dark urine?

The parasite damages red blood cells. When these cells break down, their red pigment, called haemoglobin, can pass into the urine and make it dark red or brown. Dark urine is a warning sign, so see your vet soon.

Can a negative PCR rule out Babesia canis?

A negative result makes infection less likely but may not rule it out, for example very early in the illness or after recent treatment. If the dog stays unwell, your vet may repeat the test or add others.

Before you book this test

Why this notice: so you know, before you book, how a test is done, what its limits are and who is responsible.

Where it is tested. Some tests are done wholly or partly by an independent partner laboratory. The lab tells you before booking if this test is sent out, and the report names the laboratory that did it.
What a result can and cannot tell you. No test is right every time. A normal result does not rule out every disease, and an abnormal result does not prove one. A registered veterinarian should read the report with the animal’s signs and history before any treatment is started, changed or stopped.
The sample. A sample that is clotted, too small, wrongly labelled, leaking or too old may be rejected or reported with a note, and the lab may ask for a fresh one.
Reporting time. Confirmed when you book. Times are estimates, not guarantees, and the lab confirms the time when you book.
Emergencies. A booking or a pending report must not delay urgent care. If an animal has collapsed, struggles to breathe, has fits or bleeds heavily, call a veterinarian at once.

Please read our Terms of Service, Medical Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and Refund and Cancellation Policy. Pashupatinath Vet Lab is operated by Duaji Healthcare and Tech Private Limited. This page is general information and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice.

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